Women Pledge to Fight Gender Discrimination

CHANDIGARH: On the occasion of National Day for the Girl Child, hundreds of young girls took a pledge to fight discrimination against women and work to establish rights of equality in the society on Saturday.

The government has declared January 24 as the National Girlchild Day as it coincides with the swearing-in ceremony of the country's first woman prime minister Indira Gandhi. The administration has planned activities over the next two months for sensitizing the masses on female foeticide, domestic violence and malnutrition.

Lalit Joshi, chairperson, Social Welfare Board, Chandigarh, said, 'The rationale for this day arose from the fact that the girl child continues to be amongst the disadvantaged sections of the society. Hence, it is an imperative need to sensitize and educate the community to create an environment for her growth and development.'

Students took out a road march carrying banners and placards on female foeticide, girl child and other social issues. Painting, slogan-writing, drawing and poster-making competitions were also held throughout the day.Office-bearers of around 30 NGOs also took a pledge to extend their support to the cause.

The board in collaboration with different NGOs would organize activities to sensitize residents towards the need for protection of the girl child, combating female foeticide, campaigns against dowry and child marriage, gender discrimination and issues related to women empowerment.

The event will culminate during the International Women's Week (March 1-8).