90% Haryanvis address their daughters as ‘beta’: Survey

A recent survey conducted by the Selfie with Daughter Foundation under its nationwide “Beti Hoon, Beti Bolo” campaign has revealed that, in Haryana and other states, people prefer addressing their daughters as “beta” (son).

The survey, which was part of a 7-year baseline study, involved over 20,000 individuals, including parents, other family members, educators and other stakeholders.

The findings revealed that approximately 90 per cent of respondents from Haryana addressed their daughters as “beta”.

The phenomenon was not limited to parents, but also included relatives and educators, the study revealed.

Sunil Jaglan, founder and CEO of Selfie with Daughter Foundation, said addressing daughters as “beta” perpetuated gender inequality and erased their identity.

Jaglan said the habit was deeply ingrained, with many respondents acknowledging that it had become a part of their vernacular.

The founder added that the “Beti Hoon, Beti Bolo” campaign aimed at spreading awareness and encouraging people to address their daughters by their rightful title.

The campaign would involve organising gram sabhas in villages, seminars in cities, and sessions in universities, as well as leveraging social media to promote the cause, Jaglan said.

Jaglan, a two-time national award winner, has initiated 76 campaigns related to women’s empowerment.

His efforts have been recognised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on multiple occasions. Jaglan’s work has also been featured in “Sonrise”, a national award-winning documentary which has been screened at American varsities Harvard and Yale.