On 24th January 2025, National Girl Child Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Cheeta Camp Centre in Mankhurd, Mumbai. This impactful event was organised in collaboration with Jeevandhara and YUVA India, with participation from 45 children, three dedicated teachers, and two CRY NGO interns. Representing YUVA India, Ms Vanita Salunke and Mr Vijay Powar, both Project Officers, ensured the event’s success through their active involvement and guidance.

The session, led by Ms Vanita Salunke, revolved around creating awareness about the significance of National Girl Child Day. The event began with an insightful introduction about YUVA India and its commitment to fostering a brighter future for girls through empowerment and equality. The programme included an interactive presentation, discussions, and activities, all designed to engage the young audience and inspire them to value and uphold the rights of girls.

Understanding National Girl Child Day

National Girl Child Day, observed every 24th January, was initiated by the Government of India in 2008 to address the challenges faced by girls and promote their rights. It aims to raise awareness about gender discrimination, advocate for girls’ education and health, and encourage communities to support the empowerment of the girl child.

The theme for 2025, “Every Girl Must Learn, Grow, and Stay Safe,” aptly highlighted the need for education, safety, and equality for all girls. This theme was central to the session’s discussions, resonating with participants and emphasising the importance of collective action.

Key Highlights of the Session

The session was thoughtfully designed to educate and engage participants. A PowerPoint presentation prepared by the organisers served as a visual and interactive medium to explore important aspects related to the rights and empowerment of girls.

Exploring Rights and Responsibilities

The children were introduced to fundamental rights every girl is entitled to, such as:

• Education: Every girl deserves access to quality education to unlock her potential.
• Health and Nutrition: Proper nutrition and healthcare are essential for a girl’s growth and well-being.
• Safety and Protection: Ensuring a secure environment is critical for girls to thrive.
• Equality and Opportunities: Girls should have the same opportunities as boys in every sphere of life.

The session stressed the importance of breaking societal barriers that limit girls and encouraged participants to advocate for equality in their own families and communities.

Inspiration Through Real-Life Examples

Ms Salunke shared the inspiring stories of trailblazers such as badminton champion P.V. Sindhu and astronaut Kalpana Chawla, illustrating the remarkable achievements of women in diverse fields. These examples motivated the children to dream big and strive for success regardless of societal expectations.

Challenges and Solutions

Participants were encouraged to identify and discuss the challenges faced by girls, including child marriage, gender-based violence, and restricted access to education. The session also highlighted actionable solutions, such as:

• Reporting issues to helplines like 1098 (Child Helpline) and 112 (Police Assistance).
• Advocating for the importance of girls’ education within their communities.
• Promoting equal opportunities and supporting girls in pursuing their ambitions.

Role of Families and Communities

Families and communities play a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for girls. The session emphasised the need for parents to encourage their daughters’ aspirations and for teachers to create safe and inclusive classrooms. Children were also reminded of their responsibility to support and uplift their peers.

Interactive Engagement

The session was highly interactive, with children eagerly participating in discussions and responding to thought-provoking questions. Their enthusiasm and insightful answers demonstrated a growing awareness of the importance of gender equality.

The PowerPoint presentation was particularly effective in engaging the audience. It featured compelling visuals and key points, such as the importance of education, the need for safety, and the role of technology in empowering girls. The presentation also included quotes like, “When girls rise, the nation rises,” which inspired and resonated with the participants.

Collaborative Efforts for a Greater Cause

The event’s success was a testament to the power of collaboration. Jeevandhara, YUVA India, and CRY NGO worked together to ensure the session was impactful and meaningful. The active involvement of interns and the guidance of experienced project officers enriched the discussions and activities, leaving a lasting impression on the participants.

Empowering the Future

National Girl Child Day is a reminder that empowering girls is essential for societal progress. By promoting education, health, and safety, and by challenging discriminatory practices, we can create a world where girls have the freedom and opportunity to succeed.

The event at Cheeta Camp Centre highlighted the importance of collective action and the role each individual can play in driving change. The children left the session inspired and motivated to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Looking Forward

The positive feedback from participants, teachers, and interns affirmed the significance of such initiatives. Viara Foundation and YUVA India remain committed to their mission of empowering girls and women through advocacy, education, and partnerships.

As we celebrate National Girl Child Day, let us remember that the journey towards equality begins with awareness and action. Together, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for every girl.