If I Ever Have A Daughter..: Reflections On National Girl Child Day

National Girl Child Day, observed every year on January 24, serves as a significant reminder of the challenges faced by women in India. It was first initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to highlight the inequalities faced by girls and to promote awareness including the rights of a girl child, and the importance of education, health, and nutrition.

To mark the occasion, we asked SheThePeople team members to share their perspectives on what would it be like to raise a daughter in a world of happiness, heartache and everything in between. What qualities would they want her to embody? What challenges worry them most, and what life lessons would they want her to carry forward?

Qualities to embody 

Honesty- “I would want her to embody this from an early age, to never let thoughts like 'What will people say or think?' affect her decisions about what she wants to do or not do. Her mother spent many years of her life troubled by such concerns, and I hope she doesn't let the same thing hold her back.” -- Khushi Dwivedi

Self-Respect and Confidence- “I want my daughter to understand that she has a unique identity of her own. Her individuality should never be measured against society's standards. She must always be the lead in her own story, never settling for a supporting role.” -- Khushi Dwivedi

Kindness and Empathy were a recurring answer for most of the team members. - "To be proud of herself and understand the importance of compassion and understanding in creating a meaningful life." -- Sreelekha Menon, Sonali Dhiman, Ritika Negi, Muskan Chopra

Belief in herself- “Believe in yourself, and never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big.” -- Vaishali Garg

Biggest Concerns About Raising a Daughter

• Safety - "A shared thought across the team. Ensuring her physical and emotional safety remains a priority while balancing it with the freedom to explore and grow. "

• Gender Inequality - “We need systemic changes in gender laws and norms, not just token policies or quotas. True equality is achieved when laws and everyday practices reflect fairness for all genders.” -- Tanya Savkoor

• The Impact of Social Media - “Social media often drives young girls to seek external validation, creating insecurities and pressures to fit into unrealistic standards. This can harm mental well-being, fostering anxiety and body image issues.” -- Khushi Dwivedi, Rizvi Asra

How to Foster Gender Equality at Home

• Lead by Example "A child learns significantly from their parents and grandparents. It’s essential to create a family environment that supports and practices gender equality in everyday life. Share household responsibilities equally among family members, regardless of gender, and ensure fairness in decisions and interactions." -- Priya Prakash

• Open Conversations "Encourage discussions about equality and challenge stereotypes. Normalise topics like menstruation, provide proper sex education early, and expose her to diverse role models to broaden her perspective." -- Khushi Dwivedi

• Gender-Neutral Approach “Gender should not be such a big topic at home. I would not raise my daughter a 'certain way' only because she is female. -Tanya

• Involving her actively in decisions and encouraging participation in gender-neutral activities ensures she grows up confident and decisive.” -- Ishika Thanvi

• Encouragement and Opportunities "Motivate her to explore diverse interests and learn new skills. Foster a mindset that she can achieve anything and deserves every opportunity, free from stereotypes or limitations." -- Sreelekha Menon

Life Lessons to Remember

• Never Step Down to Please Society “Equality is not just about freedom in clothing or avoiding household chores. True equality is achieved when she can voice her opinions freely, make her own decisions, and challenge unfair societal norms.” -- Khushi Dwivedi

• Know Your Worth “Don’t settle for less when you know your worth.” -- Ishika Thanvi

• Financial Independence "Freedom to make choices comes with being financially independent. Teach her the value of managing and earning her own money." -- Priya Prakash

• You Are Limitless “Dream, fight, and conquer. You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.” -- Vaishali Garg

• Take Time and Choose Wisely “Always take time and make wise decisions – life is short and there is no time for regrets!” -- Sreelekha Menon

A Vision for Daughters Everywhere

As we celebrate National Girl Child Day, let’s pledge to create an environment where our daughters can thrive. By fostering honesty, self-respect, and confidence while addressing societal challenges like safety and inequality, we can build a better, more equitable future.