Women achievers raise girl child issue

The moving story of Pakistan's leading child rights activist Malala Yousafsai not only captured the imaginations of people the world over, but also inspired many to reflect on ways and means to safeguard the rights of the girl child.

Updated on: Nov 5, 2012, 13:32:08 IST

Hindustan Times | By Sanya Panwar, Kolkata

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The moving story of Pakistan's leading child rights activist Malala Yousafsai not only captured the imaginations of people the world over, but also inspired many to reflect on ways and means to safeguard the rights of the girl child.

“This young school girl has shown remarkable strength as a defender of the educational rights of girls. I salute her spirit and hope we all find the Malala in us and help reduce the woes of the girl child,” Dr Punita D Singh, academician and musicologist, told HT.

Singh was addressing “Let Her Speak”, a discussion where women achievers from different walks of life raised their voices against the plight of women in the country, on Saturday.

While raising the topic of atrocities against women in India, these women stressed that the girl child faces rampant discrimination by society. “From barbaric acts to gentler but equally harmful ones, women her face it. We must promote, protect and enforce legislative framework and laws to help them. We must be the change we want to see,” said former captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, Anjum Chopra.

According to the 2001 census, the child sex ration (ages 0-6) fell, from 945 females per 1000 males, to an all-time low of 927. It is also reported that a whopping 50 million females have lost their lives to systematic gender discrimination in the country.

For former Mrs India International Richa Sharma it is important that women take their rights seriously to improve their state. While lauding initiatives like Save the Girl Child and shows like Satyameva Jayate, Sharma said a lot more must be done to secure every woman in India.

“I would ask women of all ages and social strata to step up and raise issues that affect them, to help find solutions to everyday struggles. Small steps lead to bigger triumphs,” said the mother of a nine-year old and teacher.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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