Where does it start > role and expectations set for a girls childhood to Womenhood
Have you ever noticed, how women are often not prioritized when it comes to their own health? The issue begins from birth itself. From the moment a woman becomes pregnant, she becomes the temporary focus, there is an expectation, that she need to eat abundantly, under the assumption that it will ensure the health of the child, it may be true, but, post-pregnancy, the treatment and priority given to the mother differ based on the gender of the new-born. If it’s a boy, the approach is different, but if it’s a girl, it changes. This raises a critical question: How can any child be truly healthy if the mother isn’t physically and mentally well? Furthermore, how can we talk about women’s empowerment without addressing this fundamental issue at its core? Is this also the reason of the GLOBAL ISSUE OF UNDERNOURSHED CHILDREN… ?
Until we shift the NARRATIVE and embrace gender inclusivity from the moment of birth, discrimination will persist, preventing the creation of a truly inclusive society. While there has been some progress in India regarding girls’ education completion, significant challenges remain. One crucial aspect that requires change is the perspective on the role of women from childhood to adulthood. Additionally, factors such as poverty, cultural norms, inadequate infrastructure, and gender discrimination further compound the barriers to education and empowerment for women. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure equal opportunities for all genders and foster genuine societal inclusivity.
What are the main barriers to girl education and what are the challenges faced by them?
WATER, can indeed be a significant problem impacting girl child education, employment and empowerment in rural areas. The task of collecting water, which often falls to girls and women, can be time-consuming and physically demanding, leading to reduced time for attending school, nurturing skills and getting competitive to be the part of workforce. Additionally, limited access to clean water can lead to health issues, causing girls to miss school days. Therefore, improving access to clean water and reducing the burden of water collection on girls and women can directly contribute to enhancing educational opportunities for girls which can be the first step towards WOMEN Empowerment …
W-A-T-E-R, effectively outlines some of the key challenges that impact girl child education in various contexts, including access to education, traditional beliefs, and social attitudes. Let’s break it down:
W – Will to Invest in Girl Child Education : In many communities, there may be a lack of emphasis on educating girls, with families and society prioritizing boys’ education, with the perspective that GIRL any way would be moving out of house and will not contribute to the income and growth of the maternal house. But a changed perspective, that EDUCATION can help her to bring better prosperity, earn respect and better treatment, in which ever house she goes can change the equation.
A – Access : Limited access to schools, particularly in rural areas, can significantly affect girls’ ability to receive an education. Factors such as distance, lack of infrastructure transportation, clean toilets, and safety concerns can all contribute to this challenge. Better infrastructure and safety can solve this problem.
T – Tradition and religious belief : Traditional/Religious beliefs and cultural norms play a significant role in shaping gender roles and can sometimes hinder girls’ access to education and empowerment. This can include early marriage, prioritizing domestic duties over schooling, and limitations on girls’ freedom of movement. The belief that the girl has to learn cooking, basic family values, also the socio-economic condition force to use tradition, as a tool, and reason not to invest in girl child. There is a significant change but more work needs to be done.
E – Employability : In some cases, there may be a perception that investing in girls’ education is less valuable due to limited perceived employment opportunities. This can impact decisions around allocating resources for education. Shifting societal mindsets to recognize the importance of educating girls for various industries and introducing gender-inclusive curriculum from an early age can help break down these barriers and increase girls’ employability. Government, institution and Industries need to give a holistic view to solve this major issue…
R – Role Expectations: Societal expectations regarding the roles of girls and women may limit their educational opportunities and growth, as they are often expected to prioritize household chores and caregiving duties over schooling, employability and entrepreneurship. In many communities, girls are burdened with household chores and caregiving responsibilities from a young age, which can hinder their ability to attend school regularly and focus on their studies. Ultimately, creating a more equitable and inclusive society requires challenging and changing these ingrained societal norms to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to pursue their educational and professional aspirations.
In addressing the multifaceted challenges of girls’ education to empowerment, it’s imperative to engage communities, enact policy reforms, raise awareness, ensure equal opportunities, garner support from industry and institutions, and work within cultural contexts. This holistic approach, emphasizing community involvement, policy advocacy, awareness campaigns, equal access, industry support, and cultural sensitivity, is essential for fostering meaningful change and advancing girls’ education worldwide.
Government initiatives such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Right to Education Act (RTE) have been pivotal in addressing these challenges by ensuring free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14. Additionally, programs like the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign and the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education have specifically targeted the education and empowerment of girls. These initiatives play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for girls to access education, thereby contributing to their overall empowerment and societal progress. The government is making its efforts to support change, do we change …
CAN we solve problem of W.A.T.E.R to solve the problem of WOMEN Empowerment? Let’s commit to taking our first step by acknowledging the problem and working towards its resolution.
Celebrating Strength, Resilience, and Progress
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration. It’s a movement for change, reminding us of the continuing fight for gender equality globally. It’s a day to honor women’s successes in all areas, recognize progress, and spotlight the enduring obstacles. Empowering women – every woman, whether she works inside or outside the home – is crucial for a fairer society and acknowledging their contributions to families, communities, and businesses.
