National Girl Child Day

National Girl Child Day is celebrated on 24th January every year in India. This day was introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008. The aim of celebrating National Girl Child Day is to highlight the inequality and bias faced by girl children. This day also raises awareness about the rights of girls in our country.

Numerous surveys and studies have shown that girl children are neglected when it comes to providing for their health and nutrition, academics, and safety. National Girl Child Day raises awareness about these issues and demands better conditions for girl children. We have shared more about the history and significance of this day here.

National Girl Child Day 2023

National Girl Child Day is celebrated nationwide on 24th January to raise awareness about the many issues that girl children in our society struggle with. This day encourages everyone to demand and create a positive environment for girls simultaneously. Girl Child Day also marks the anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) program.

Every year, the Ministry of Women and Child Development celebrates Girl Child Day by organizing events, holding talks, etc. Here, we have shared a brief about the day -

History of National Girl Child Day

The history of National Girl Child Day can be traced to 2008, when the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, launched the day. In Indian society, girl children face gender bias and inequality on a daily basis. They are forced to perform household chores from a very young age and are often denied the chance to pursue education.

Through Girl Child Day, the government wants to send a message of the urgent need to treat girl children equally and provide them with the opportunities that they rightfully deserve. Therefore, on every National Girl Child Day, the government organizes awareness campaigns to send the message.

Significance of National Girl Child Day

Girls in India face numerous challenges - from the risk of infanticide to child marriages and much more. National Girl Child Day is about raising the issues faced by girls from a young age and demanding better conditions for them. It is about encouraging everyone to support girls and speak up against their mistreatment.

Acknowledging the issues faced by girls throughout the country, the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched Girl Child Day in 2008. Here is why this day is considered so significant -

• This day is about acknowledging and spreading the word about the inequalities faced by girls in our society.
• National Girl Child Day is an occasion to contribute to girls’ education, health, and safety.
• This day is for rescuing girls who fall prey to exploitation and abuse.

Objectives of National Girl Child Day

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has clear objectives for celebrating Girl Child Day. On this day, various government departments, including the Department of Education, Sports, Skills Development, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, carry out several initiatives and programs for the advancement and empowerment of girls.

As stated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, here are the objectives of National Girl Child Day -

• To raise awareness among people about the inequalities faced by girls in the country.
• To spread awareness about the rights of girl children in India.
• To increase awareness on the importance of female education, health, and nutrition.

Why India Celebrates Girl Child Day on January 24

India observes Girl Child Day on 24th January every year. The day is officiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which also organizes several public events to mark the day. A lot of girl children face violence, abuse, and exploitation in our country. Events like National Girl Child Day can be a great opportunity to speak up about the issues faced by these children.

Over the years, the government of India has made a lot of initiatives to support girls in the country. The School Education and Literacy Division of the Ministry of Education (MoE) implemented Samagra Shiksha, an Integrated School Education Program (ISSE), for girls' education. Moreover, campaigns like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao also send the message of supporting girls.

Initiatives To Support Girls

• Free textbooks for girls up to Grade VIII in government schools.
• Providing uniforms for children below the Poverty Line (BPL), all girls, and SC/ST children up to Grade VIII.
• Construction of gender-separated toilets in all schools.
• Teacher awareness programs to encourage girl participation.
• Provision of self-defence training for girls from Class VI to XII.
• Scholarships for girls with special needs from Class I to XII.
• Boarding schools/dormitories for girls.
• Allocating a high percentage of residential areas for teachers in difficult/remote terrain areas.

FAQs on National Girl Child Day

Q1. When do we celebrate National Girl Child Day?

We celebrate National Girl Child Day on 24th January every year. This day was established by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008. Girl Child Day raises the issues that girls face in our country and demands better health and nutrition, education, and safety facilities for them.

Q2. Why is National Girl Child Day celebrated?

National Girl Child Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the many issues faced by girls in our country. Girls in our country face gender bias and exploitation from a very young age. Observing Girl Child Day is an attempt to address these issues and support girls.

Q3. National Girl Child Day was first observed in?

National Girl Child Day was first observed in 2008, the same year when the Ministry of Women and Child Development established the day. Since then, Girl Child Day has been celebrated every year in India on 24th January to raise awareness about the issues that girls face in our country.