National Girl Child Day 2025 recently marked a pivotal moment in the movement toward gender equality, with organizations, policymakers, and communities across the country uniting to advocate for the rights of girls. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Girl Child: Creating Equal Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow,” served as a call to action to address barriers faced by girls and foster an environment where they can thrive.
In the event held at Govt. Navin Higher Secondary School, Bagsevania Bhopal, Bal Raksha Bharat (BRB) observed this day in close collaboration with various state governments, CSOs and children especially girls. It brought together voices of girl champions from across to focus on the key pillars of education, health, protection and equal opportunities for girls.
URGENT CHALLENGES
NFHS-5 Data on Girls in India: The 2019-21 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges for girls in India:
Child Marriage: 23.3% of women aged 20-24 were married before the legal age of 18.
Teenage Pregnancy: 6.8% of girls aged 15-19 have begun childbearing, with higher prevalence in rural areas.
Education: While female literacy has reached 71.5%, dropout rates remain concerning, particularly in rural and tribal regions.
Gender-Based Violence: Reports of violence against women and girls remain alarmingly high, with many cases going unreported.
These statistics underscore the critical need for comprehensive interventions to address gender-based inequities and empower girls to fulfill their potential.
A CALL TO ACTION
Collaborative Efforts for Change: The 2025 observance of National Girl Child Day highlighted ongoing efforts by the Government of India through initiatives such as:
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP): A flagship program promoting survival, protection, and education for girls.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Addressing barriers to education by providing free and accessible learning opportunities for girls.
Kishori Shakti Yojana: Focused on improving adolescent girls’ health, nutrition, and awareness.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: Tackling malnutrition among children and adolescent girls.
Bal Raksha Bharat (BRB), in collaboration with various government departments across 22 states has intensified efforts to bridge gaps in education, healthcare and protection for girls. Through community-based programs, youth-led initiatives and capacity-building efforts, BRB works closely with families, local leaders and government bodies to challenge societal norms that hinder girls’ development.
Spotlight on Girls’ Voices and Resilience: Adolescent girls from diverse regions shared personal stories of overcoming obstacles, shedding light on the urgent need for intervention in areas like child marriage, access to secondary education, and menstrual health management. Their stories underscored the power of resilience and the transformative impact of timely support and opportunities.
A COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT
The event concluded with a resounding commitment from stakeholders across sectors to strengthen efforts in creating an equitable future for girls. Elected representatives, Chairpersons from various State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) and others pledged continued collaboration to address systemic challenges and drive sustainable change in close collaboration with government bodies.
Speaking at the event, Pradeep Mishra, Head of Programme Implementation, BRB said, “The future of our nation depends on the empowerment of our girls. By ensuring their safety, education, and opportunities, we pave the way for a stronger, more equitable society. Let us join hands to make this vision a reality.”
Bal Raksha Bharat, a leading NGO working for the cause of children across 19 states in India. They are grounded in Indian Ethos since inception. The NGO works for and with vulnerable children. They endeavour to ensure their over-all and inclusive development and enable them to be a part of Viksit Bharat’s journey, whatever it takes. Their work ranges from Health and Nutrition; Education; Protection; Economic well-being and Resilience.
