By Srivalli Krishnan | Project Leader
The sex ratio in India stands at 914 females to 1000 males. What is perhaps even scarier than this number is that the ratio has actually fallen from 927 in the last ten years. The nation’s girls are indeed at risk and the subject of neglect and discrimination.
Millions of girl children in India face challenges every step of the way and many of their rights are not upheld be it – health, nutrition, education, protection or simply a space to be heard. Communities in India are still largely patriarchal and girls always end up taking the second place to the male members in their families, be it their brothers, husbands or even sons. The female literacy rate for women in the country which hovers around 65% as compared to the male literacy rate which is over 80% - is a direct reflection of this situation.
Lack of proper health care and immunizations, malnourishment, child labour, no access to education, early marriages leading to early pregnancies and health issues and a total lack of voice or opinion on their own lives – are some of the many issues that girls in India face today.
Impact of CRY's work
12 year old Sandhyarani’s home is in CRY’s intervention area in the Thoubal district of Manipur - with her parents and 7 siblings. When she was 8 years old she was taken out of school and sent off to the nearest city as a domestic help.
At this young age she had to learn how to cook, wash clothes, sweep and work from dawn to dusk at the many jobs around the house.
When CRY workers came to know about her – they immediately wanted to rescue her from her predicament and enrol her into school where she rightfully belongs. However her parents were reluctant to bring her back. The process of changing their mindset and convince them that their child would be better off in school – was a long and hard one from the CRY project team.
However, eventually the parents did realise the ill effects of child labour on their daughter and her chance at a better future through education. They brought the child back and with the help of CRY, enrolled her into school.Today Sandhyarani is where each child rightfully belongs and can dream of a brighter future
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