Girl Child

A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) made his way back to India to work on the issue of girls’ education in rural Uttar Pradesh. His interesting initiative has girls getting Rs 10 for every day of school attendance and even a toilet at home if the attendance exceeds 70%. But the biggest reward is watching the young women get empowered to work and become independent.

While many states in India have an alarming sex ratio and a large number of girls are still being abandoned and killed, it indeed comes as good news that couples looking to adopt in India prefer girls over boys. Is it the winds of change?

Millions of girls in India become victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, and child labour every year. West Bengal is one such state where girls are at high risk for trafficking and other abuse. GPower, a mobile-based intervention in 20 villages of the state, is identifying the girls in need of help and providing them with much needed and timely support based on their level of vulnerability.

The Bedia community of MP celebrates the birth of a girl child – but for a very different reason. One organization, Samvedna, has decided to intervene and open the gates of education and different livelihood options for this community. Here's more.

In India there are two occasions that ensure mass participation: festivals and elections. The occasions, particularly festivals, are of late also being used to spread awareness about social causes. The recent Kullu Dussehra dance, with its “Save the Girl Child” message, is one such example.

Education was the last thing on the minds of Mallahipurva villagers. Especially for girls, who were considered as just extra hands to support the family. But one girl, Gudiya, fought all odds and became the first one in her village to pass Secondary School. She did not stop at just this. She started a school for other kids in her own house and made sure they embraced the gift of education too. This is how she brought about the transformation.

This is the story of ‘Geeta’, a speech and hearing impaired girl who has been cared for in Pakistan for the last 15 years, and the search for her family in India. You can become her real life Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Here's more about her stay in Pakistan and the little clues she has been giving to track her family.

An interesting contest - "Selfie with daughter" - in Bibipur village of Haryana is improving the status of the girl child in amazing ways. The contest has received over 500 entries so far and the winners will be given a cash prize along with a trophy and certificate.

Away from home, the tribal girls of Odisha are now educating themselves and dreaming big. Their new residential school is like a family which is enabling them to prepare for higher studies and a better life.

What started with four students is now a huge residential school that is changing the lives of hundreds of visually impaired girls. It not only provides a safe haven and quality education, but also find suitable life partners for the girls when are of marriageable age!