Is it getting fairer?

Mona

It has been a decade since the National Girl Child Day was initiated by the government, which offered more opportunities and support for girls to claim their fair share under the sun. Sadly, the gender ratio is still far from what was aimed and equal opportunities are still missing.

What it means to be born and grow up a girl in India? Here are some voices from the city...

Lots of questions

I was fortunate enough that my parents gave me the best they could offer, but, yes, like any other girl, every single day, I do face discrimination. Whether it’s a personal choice or professional, a girl is questioned at every step. ‘Would you be able to do it’ was a pet phrase when I, along with my sister, tried to start our own chemist shop. Then there is the phrase, ‘shadi ke bad khatam hi ho jana hai’. But then if one’s resolve is strong and one has family support, sky is the limit.

– Nehal Madan, entrepreneur

Equality issues

Equality is still a major issue in rural areas. I study, practice sports in Chandigarh. Here the teachers, coaches as well as family support girls in their endeavours. But at sports meets, I come across so many girls just like me - who don’t have facilities or supportive families. I recently won a bronze medal in 63rd National School Games, which I consider brings me another inch closer to my dream of winning an Olympic medal in sprint. There have been girls like Dutee Chand, who faced the odds to emerge victorious. They are my role models.

– Simran Kaur, athlete

Many roles

Individually, I believe in meritocracy. It is a fact that girls do have to make extra efforts to be recognised as their capability, their potential, is continuously doubted by family as well as society. But in the last decade, things have changed immensely. As a lady officer in Government of India, I might be knowingly or unknowingly still putting that extra effort to be recognised. However, the fact remains that girls have earned a name in every possible walk of life. They have taken on multifarious roles at homes and offices with equal ease. When women work, they deliver quality and that’s bound to further buoy their success.

– Palka Sahni, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Divide shrinking

I am rather sorry to state that the ground rules are different for boys and girls - be it home or professional sphere. Sadly the discrimination starts right from choice of toys – girls given dolls to look after while boys, bats to play or jeep to drive. These very little things sure do affect one’s psyche. Then there are societal diktats - become a teacher, half day for work, half for family. Why are no such demands made from boys?

Thankfully, at work-places this divide is fast shrinking. My ambition is to become an actor and I find myself fully capable of taking care of home along with my outdoor shoots.

– Shiwani Saini, actor

Come together

Even for girls like me, who get fair treatment at home, the world at large is an unfair place. I am an artist, have done law and I run a clothing brand - The Rose Girl. While my family stood by me at every step, those around didn’t leave a chance to put me down or discourage me - all on the ground that I happen to be a girl.

By grace of God, my brand thrives and I have given them a befitting answer. I strongly feel that there is need for girls to get together and help each other in rising. Together, we can build a fair world.

– Sukhman Bhinder, artist

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