8 March International Women’s Day: A day dedicated to Women

A day dedicated to women, March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day. Women’s Day is a symbolic day of respect towards women. On this day various programs are organized in India including all over the world. This day is a day of salutation to half the population. International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first International Women’s Day gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.

In the last few years, due to the promotion of education, change in social thinking and women empowerment campaigns, there has been a slight improvement in the social, educational and personal living standards of women. The presence and achievements of women in various fields reflect the progress of women. Mainly due to the encouragement in the family and the urge of women to move forward and prove themselves, women are promoting themselves and their family name. This situation is a matter of happiness for the country and the society. But there is still a long way to go.

Literacy Rate of Women

According to Census 2011, the population of women in the country is 58.74 crore. India’s literacy rate is 73 percent. The literacy rate of women is 64.60 percent. Also, the figure of female literacy in Rajasthan is only 52.10 percent. However, there is a change in the statistics of girl child education. There was an increase in 2018 but the official base year is 2011 only. Despite the social changes, currently there is variation in the status of child sex ratio in the country. Even today, a large population in the country remains engrossed in the ideology of desiring to have a son. It is ironic that even in 2019, we have not been completely successful in changing the ideology.

Healthy States, Progressive India

Even today, a large number of people in all sections of the Indian society desire to have a son and do not want to have a daughter. Last year, NITI Aayog released its first health report “Healthy State, Progressive India”. According to this report, in 17 out of 21 big states of the country, the sex ratio at the time of birth of children has worsened further. The Commission has insisted on stopping the cases of female feticide by investigating more strictly. In the report named ‘Healthy States, Progressive India’, 2012-14 has been considered as the base year, while 2013-15 has been considered as the reference year.

Sex Ratio

The sex ratio at birth in Gujarat has declined the most in the country by 53 points. This figure has come down from 907 per thousand girls to 854. Haryana is at number two in the list where there has been a decline of 35 points. In Haryana, where there were 866 females per thousand males in the year 2012-14, in the year 2013-25 this ratio has come down to 831 only. The third place is of Rajasthan state where the sex ratio has dropped by 53 points. This figure has come down from 893 girls per thousand to 861.

The report recommended effective implementation of the PCPNDT law, which prohibits prenatal sex determination, in the states. In addition to this, it is necessary to take steps to publicize the importance of daughters. This situation is a matter of concern for all. Today, while women are progressing in every field in a society full of modernity, there is a section of society that does not allow daughters to come into this world in the desire for a son.

government efforts for women empowerment

Apart from this, the fact is in front of everyone that most of the girls born in India are deprived of basic rights like education, health and right to protection from child marriage. As a result, violence against women, crime increases. Many women are forced to lead a hellish life. The government is making many efforts in the direction of women empowerment. The government is implementing the PCPNDT law strictly to prevent female feticide and conducting investigations. They are also carrying out the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Abhiyan, the Girl Child Education Scheme, constructing women’s toilets in schools, enacting various laws, and working towards women’s safety and upliftment through these schemes.

The government initially benefited these schemes, but the latest report by NITI Aayog on sex ratio shows a worrying situation. The government should strictly follow the laws and policies. Along with this, common people should also spread awareness in this direction. It is necessary for the government to get the cooperation and participation of the common man. Change in socio-ideological thinking on a large scale, respect and cooperation can only help the daughters of the country to move forward. Because daughters are the jewel of home, family, society and country.

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