Every year, January 24th marks National Girl Child Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the rights of girls and the importance of empowering them. In our society, the ongoing debate about whether boys or girls are better has created unnecessary divides. However, the truth is simple: both are meant to co-exist and contribute equally to the world. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on gender equality and feminism, especially when it comes to uplifting the girl child. But the good news is that this doesn’t require grand gestures or radical changes. The key lies in small, everyday actions that can make a big difference. To gain knowledge about this in detail we got in touch with Adv. Noopur Singhal, Founder of Sshaktam Mindz and Chairperson of the Local Committee POSH New Delhi District, has shared some valuable insights on this topic:
As Adv. Noopur Singhal, Founder of Sshaktam Mindz and Chairperson of the Local Committee POSH New Delhi District, emphasises that empowering a girl starts with helping her believe in her worth. Simple, consistent actions can make a profound impact on her self-esteem and self-belief. Here are ways and habits to practice every day that can help build confidence in your daughter:
1. Creating A Home of Equality
Gender equality should be a core value, and it begins in the way we approach daily activities. It's not enough to simply talk about equality; we must actively practice it. Parents must share responsibilities, whether it’s household chores, financial decisions, or emotional support. When children see that tasks aren’t divided by gender, they understand that both boys and girls can contribute equally in every area of life.
Our expert Noopur Singhal shared, “Before teaching our children whether a girl or boy about gender-neutral roles, we need to make sure that we are preaching what we are teaching them. We need to stop thinking that some jobs are only for boys or girls. In empowering girls, it is of utmost importance to teach boys that girls can do everything that they can. Having kids help with chores, and sharing the load teaches them new skills. Increase confidence and help them grow without getting the idea of job roles.” This is one of the first steps towards erasing the deep-rooted stereotypes that have been passed down through generations.
2. Encouraging Confidence And Independence
Small actions, like involving children in household chores, have a profound impact. Giving kids responsibilities at a young age not only helps them learn important life skills but also boosts their confidence. It also teaches them the importance of cooperation, teamwork, and respect for one another.
3. Prioritising Safety And Well-Being
Empowerment is closely tied to safety. Empowered children, especially girls, need to feel safe in their environment. Simple, but important lessons like teaching children about good touch/bad touch, along with creating an open, non-judgmental space for them to talk about their feelings, make a huge difference. Our expert suggests, “With empowerment comes safety, small steps like teaching them good touch/bad touch, giving them the comfort of sharing their problems, and having a listening ear can make a huge impact in improving the safety of children, especially girls being more prone to harassment.” Parents need to listen without judgment, so that their children, especially girls, feel comfortable sharing their concerns. This can go a long way in reducing the vulnerability of girls to abuse and harassment.
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4. Encourage Open Communication
One of the most effective ways to boost a child’s confidence is by ensuring they feel heard and understood. Encourage your daughter to express her thoughts, ideas, and feelings freely, without fear of judgment. Whether it’s talking about her day, her dreams, or her struggles, providing a safe and open space for communication fosters emotional security. Every child has unique interests, whether it's sports, music, art, science, or anything else. It’s important to encourage your daughter to explore these passions, regardless of societal expectations or traditional gender roles. Supporting her in pursuing activities she loves gives her the freedom to express herself and discover her talents.
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5. A Collective Responsibility
While it’s important for parents to uplift their daughters, it’s equally crucial to raise all children, regardless of gender, without bias. Teaching boys to respect girls and girls to stand up for themselves and others creates a society where everyone is treated equally, with equal opportunities for success. This responsibility doesn’t rest solely with the parents. It is a shared responsibility across society. Schools, communities, and policymakers all play an important role in creating a culture of equality.
By fostering an environment where gender roles are not predefined, where both boys and girls are given the same opportunities, and where every girl child feels safe and valued, we can create a better future for every girl and uplift them.
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
Image credit: Freepik
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