International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) "Our time is now- our rights, our future"

 

Aarohi Adhikari

This year marks 10 glorious years of International Day of the Girl Child (IDG). The International Day of the Girl Child, an international observance day declared by the United Nation is a day of global recognition of girls’ rights and the challenges they face around the globe. This day is celebrated to eliminate the existing gender-based prejudices, raise awareness of the rights a girl owns, and create an environment with no biases on any sort of opportunity.

It is an accepted fact that women around the world have to strive for the education, opportunities, and facilities they deserve. This situation is more acute in a nation like ours where men possess higher social status. Nepalese women face discrimination socially, economically, politically, and culturally. Along with being categorized as discriminated group and subject to gender-based discrimination, women in Nepalese society have long faced violence, abuse, and harassment. The perception of the male being the breadwinner and women being domestic worker still exist. However, a growing number of people are speaking up against major crimes including rape, domestic violence, and harassment. An effort like IDG brings attention to the numerous societal issues that Nepalese women face on an everyday basis. Nepalese women also lack health and sanitation facilities, sexual and reproductive health rights, and other vital rights and facilities. According to the fact sheet UNFPA, 3 women die every day during pregnancy and childbirth.

The UN Women data suggest that the maternal mortality rate in Nepal is 186 per 100000 and it also states that out of 1000 adolescent girl, 63 become mother before the age of 19 years as of 2018. This data also shows that 32.8% of women get married before the age of 18 whereas 7.9% of them get married before the age of 15. Similarly, the data also shows the proportion of female youth not in education, employment or training is 46.6%. Regarding political participation, 32.7% proportion of seats is held by women in national parliaments and 41% of the elected seat is held by women in deliberative bodies of local government as of February, 2021. The data also suggest that 13.2% of women are in managerial positions and 13.9% of women are engaged in senior and middle management positions. According to the mirage of domestic violence during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal, the highest number 14232 cases of domestic violence have been reported on Nepalese fiscal year 077/078 with 2532 rape cases being second on the list and 27 abortion cases being the last.

This highlights the condition of Nepalese women. However, these scenarios are changing which are the consequence of women being educated and informed. The social sector organizations are also contributing to the change by raising awareness and advocating for the required changes. The government is also seen providing attention to such cases to create a safe environment for the girl child.

Today, the majority of our generation can understand, be aware of and discuss the inequalities and injustice experienced. Now, we want education, protection, opportunities, and other numerous things men should not strive for. So, this International Day for Girl Child, let’s not worry about being a strong girl with a voice, desire, and equal rights. We deserve everything. Our time is now- our rights, our future. Happy 10 th International Day for the Girl Child.