Gender inequality is the main cause of discrimination faced by girl children today. To better the position of girls in the society and offer them a dignified living, National Girl Child Day is observed every year January 24. Ahead of the celebration of this day, Orissa POST spoke to a few mothers to hear what they have to say on the issue.
Sangeeta Sahoo, a housewife from Bhubaneswar, said she remains concerned about the security of her two daughters. She not only takes all measures for her daughters’ safety, she also organises sensitisation programmes on the issue. She added, “These days, girls are making a mark in all spheres of life. Parents want to train their daughters in dance, song, painting and other extracurricular activities. However, it is also important to provide self-defence training to girls. At a time, when cases of violence against women are on the rise, self-defence training has become a necessity.”
Sangeeta said that parents should make sure that their daughters feel comfortable about discussing all issues with them. They should have regular interactions with the school teachers to know the mental state of their daughters, she added. As a member of Odisha Bikerni, a group fighting against sexual harassment, Sangeeta also underlines the importance of increasing the stamina of girls.
Girls are as important as boys to maintain social equilibrium in society, said Cuttack-based Nibedita Sahoo, a banker. “I have never faced discrimination at home as a daughter. My parents have treated me like a son and ensured that I complete my higher studies. And I am going to do this for my daughter as well.”
A few years ago, the ratio of women in society had drastically declined due to increase in cases of female foeticide and dowry deaths, Nibedita pointed out. “Hopefully, the scenario will change for the better in the coming days with the centre taking a host of measures like banning sex determination tests and strictly enforcing laws such as Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. However, there is a need to sensitise people on issues like gender inequality, dowry and sexual harassment to make the society a better place for girls,” she added.
Annada Das, a businesswoman from Bhubaneswar, considers daughters as precious gifts from God. “Gone are those days when girls were asked to cook, and boys sent to schools. As the mother of a daughter, I always think she is the best gift I have ever got in my life. From providing good education to fulfilling her other needs, we haven’t compromised on anything. I believe education is a vital component to alleviate poverty and address gender discrimination issues. Therefore, the parents shouldn’t make any compromise in educating their daughters,” she said.
Pratikshya Thakur from Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi feels fortunate to be the mother of a daughter. “At a time when people still long for a son, my in-laws celebrated the birth of my daughter Anshika and I am proud of that,’ she said. She believes that daughters love and take care of their parents more than sons.
“I want to make my daughter physically and mentally tough so that she can take care of herself in future. I would also advise parents to teach their sons to behave well with the girls in school so that they will respect women when they grow up,” added Pratikshya.
BRATATI BARAL, OP