National Girl Child Day: things you must know | History, Importance & Facts

National Girl Child Day is a day celebrated on January 24th in India to raise awareness about the rights and well-being of girl children. The day is an opportunity to highlight the issues faced by girls in India, such as discrimination, lack of education and healthcare, and child marriage, and to promote efforts to address these issues.

History of National Girl Child Day

The day was first officially celebrated in 2008, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. January 24 was chosen to celebrate National Girl Child Day because it was on this day in 1966 that Indira Gandhi was sworn in as the first woman Prime Minister of India.

Importance of National Girl Child Day

The main objective of the day is to create awareness among people about the importance of the education, health, and overall well-being of the girl child. This day also aims to create awareness about the social and economic implications of discrimination against the girl child and to provide support for the girl child to help them to grow up into confident and independent women.

Facts of National Girl Child Day

1. The day was first officially celebrated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.

2. According to the census of 2011, the child sex ratio (0-6 years) in India is 919 girls per 1000 boys.

3. Educating girls is crucial for the development and progress of a country. Girls who receive an education are more likely to marry later, have healthier families and children, and participate in the workforce.

4. The theme for National Girl Child Day 2021 was "Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow" which emphasized the need to empower girls and to provide them with equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and participation in decision-making processes.

5. National Girl Child Day is celebrated with the aim of creating awareness about the social and economic implications of discrimination against the girl child and providing support for the girl child to help them to grow up into confident and independent women.

6. The Government of India has launched several schemes and programs to promote the education, health, and welfare of girl children, such as the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

7. Many non-government organizations also work to empower girls and raise awareness about their rights and well-being, through activities such as educational programs, mentoring, and support groups.

8. It's important to note that, although India has made significant progress in terms of girl child education and health, there is still a long way to go. Many girls in India still face discrimination, lack access to healthcare and education, and are subjected to child marriage and other forms of violence.

9. On this day, various events are organized throughout the country to promote the education and empowerment of girls. These events include workshops, seminars, and public rallies, to raise awareness about the rights and well-being of girls. Government and non-government organizations also work together to provide girls with access to education, health services, and legal aid.