National Girl Child Day: A Reality Check on Empowerment

Every year on January 24, National Girl Child Day is observed in India to celebrate the empowerment of girls, promote gender equality, and highlight the challenges that continue to affect their lives. In 2025, as we commemorate this day, it is vital to not only reflect on the progress made but to also confront the harsh realities that still hinder the growth of girls in our society.

This day provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reframe the conversation around gender-based disparities that persist despite various laws, policies, and initiatives designed to address them.

The Significance of National Girl Child Day

Established in 2008 by the Government of India, National Girl Child Day aims to shine a spotlight on the specific issues that girls face—especially those related to health, education, and safety. This day also calls for the recognition of their roles in society and the need to safeguard their rights and opportunities, ensuring that they are given the tools to reach their full potential. But while the intention is clear, the reality on the ground is often far less optimistic.

A Snapshot of Progress

India has witnessed significant strides in terms of legislation and awareness campaigns targeted at improving the welfare of girls. Laws like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, and the Right to Education Act have played crucial roles in improving access to education and curbing child marriages, which have historically stifled the development of young girls.

The female literacy rate has seen a steady increase, with more girls now attending school and gaining access to education than ever before. In 2021, the female literacy rate stood at 70.3%, up from 53.7% in 2001. The government’s focus on reducing dropout rates among girls has led to a rise in the number of girls completing primary and secondary education. This is significant in a country where gender disparities in education were once the norm rather than the exception.

In the rural heartlands, grassroots movements and NGOs have been instrumental in providing educational opportunities to girls, empowering them to break free from the shackles of traditional gender roles. These programs have helped dismantle societal barriers and provide girls with a platform to dream beyond the confines of their homes and communities.

Yet, The Dark Reality

Despite the improvements, India’s girl child still faces a myriad of challenges, many of which remain deeply entrenched within the cultural fabric of the nation. From skewed sex ratios to high levels of child marriage and an alarming rise in female infanticide, these issues continue to plague the country’s growth trajectory.

1. Gender-Based Violence

The issue of gender-based violence remains a grave concern, particularly in the context of young girls. From domestic violence to trafficking and sexual exploitation, girls are often subject to abuse from a very young age.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there was a significant increase in the number of cases of crimes against women in recent years, with a sharp spike in incidents of sexual assault and harassment.

Many young girls in rural areas, especially those belonging to marginalized communities, are subjected to sexual violence with little to no recourse for justice. In fact, the lack of proper implementation of laws and a consistent failure of the legal system to protect victims perpetuates a culture of silence and impunity.

2. Child Marriage: A National Blight

India still has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with millions of girls being married off before they reach the age of 18. The effects of child marriage are disastrous and irreversible. Girls are often forced to abandon their education and are thrust into roles of wife and mother before they even reach adulthood.

A report by UNICEF stated that more than 1 in 3 girls in India are married before the legal age of 18. The practice not only restricts their freedom but also severely limits their economic prospects, leaving them vulnerable to poverty, illiteracy, and poor health.

3. Health Crisis: Adolescent Girls’ Struggles

The health crisis for adolescent girls in India is one of the most overlooked aspects of their development. Malnutrition, anemia, and lack of access to quality healthcare continue to undermine the physical and mental well-being of young girls. Early pregnancies, which often occur as a result of child marriages, bring about health complications that can be life-threatening.

Moreover, inadequate menstrual health education and sanitation facilities exacerbate the challenges faced by girls. The lack of awareness and support for menstrual hygiene management forces many girls to miss school during their periods, further contributing to the gender gap in education.

4. The Societal Pressure: The Battle for Identity

Perhaps the most insidious challenge facing India’s girls is the societal pressure to conform to archaic notions of gender roles. From an early age, girls are taught to submit to societal norms that place value on their physical appearance rather than their abilities or ambitions. They are often subjected to the pressure of “good behavior,” silence, and obedience, stifling their voices and aspirations.

In a nation where family honor and social reputation still hold significant weight, girls are often forced to live their lives through the lens of societal expectations rather than personal growth. The pursuit of career goals, higher education, and self-expression are often discouraged in favor of early marriage and motherhood.

A Call to Action: The Role of Government, Society, and Individuals

As we celebrate National Girl Child Day in 2025, it’s time to not only praise the accomplishments but also demand action. The need for a systemic shift in policy implementation is critical. This involves not just providing education, but ensuring that education is of quality and relevance. The government must create safer spaces for girls—both in schools and communities—by ensuring that laws are enacted with integrity and perpetrators of violence against girls are held accountable.

Moreover, there is a pressing need for continuous public awareness campaigns to tackle the pervasive stereotypes and societal norms that continue to diminish the value of girls. Men and boys must also be engaged in these conversations to promote a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence.

The corporate world, too, has a role to play by ensuring that girls and women are provided equal opportunities in the workplace, especially in leadership positions. Programs for skill-building, vocational training, and entrepreneurship for young girls can pave the way for economic independence and self-reliance.

Lastly, individuals must be advocates for change. It starts with families, communities, and peers challenging gender bias, confronting injustice, and empowering the next generation to rise above the obstacles set before them.

National Girl Child Day 2025 must serve as a call to action. While we celebrate the achievements of the girl child in India, we must also recognize the long road ahead. Empowering girls is not just a matter of law; it is a matter of changing hearts and minds, of tearing down centuries-old biases, and of ensuring that every girl, regardless of where she is born, has the opportunity to become the best version of herself. The battle for the girl child is far from over, but with a united effort from all corners of society, change is not only possible—it is inevitable.

The time to act is now...