National Girl Child Day 2022: Explore the history, significance and theme
Swami Vivekananda had once said “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.” In this spirit, every year, on 24th January, India commemorates National Girl Child Day. The initiative has been taken by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development to tackle social discrimination against the girl child and to improve awareness about their equal upbringing and welfare.
Theme of National Girl Child Day 2022
Every year, there is a specific theme to this day. However, this year, the theme of National Girl Child Day is directly an extension of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ campaign. This is part of Government of India’s efforts to celebrate 75 years of progressive and independent India and its glorious past, diverse ethnicity, magnificent cultural heritage and great achievements. This campaign was officially launched in March 2021.
The year 2022 is the 75th year of the Indian independence. So, today, 75 young female achievers under the age of 20 will be felicitated by the Indian government for their unique contribution to the progress and development of India as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
History behind National Girl Child Day
The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development first observed National Girl Child Day on 24th January 2008. Since then, this auspicious day has been widely celebrated all across the country to create awareness about the rights of a girl child in India and curb the discriminations that girls face on a daily basis.
Significance of this day
The main aim behind celebrating National Girl Child Day is to create a habitable society for girl children in India, where they not only get equal opportunities like the male children but also feel safe to claim their rights. The day also focusses on the importance of having sufficient access to education and healthcare services for girls in India. Above all, the objective of National Girl Child Day is to enlighten the society about eradicating social evils like female foeticide, infanticide, sexual abuse and gender bias.
How is the National Girl Child Day celebrated?
National Girl Child Day is widely celebrated nationwide through cultural programmes and competitions, not only on 24th January but through an entire week or month to support the noble cause of women’s emancipation. For instance, since 2021, Punjab has decided to mark the entire month of January as the ‘Girl Child Month,’ while Madhya Pradesh observes ‘Girl Child Week’ since 2020 from 24th to 30th January. Some states and organisations even consider National Girl Child Day as a continued celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (BBBP) or ‘Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child’ flagship campaign that was initiated on 22nd January 2015.