‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)’ was launched as one of the flagship Central Government schemes on 22nd January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. The scheme aimed to address the declining Child Sex Ratio and other issues related to women empowerment. BBBP is a tri-ministerial effort of the Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare and Human Resource Development. The focus is on awareness and advocacy campaign for changing mindsets prevailing around girls and women.
From a long time, a lot of women have been left behind in the growth story of India. They usually don’t have a voice or say in various matters and in many cases, they also don’t have any rights of refusing to get married at an early age.
Girls’ education has received some attention as a result of global advocacy. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign will only get a concrete shape if certain steps are taken. First, gender studies should be included as a full-fledged subject in the core curriculum. This will help children in developing egalitarian constructions of masculinity and feminity. Boys and young men should be taught how to value and respect women. Education should help the girls to get empowered to speak up against any form of violence or abuse.
There are several non-profit organisations that are working towards ensuring that children from the most marginalised communities get access to education. Save the Children is one such organisation. We believe that every child is extraordinary in its own way and can reach great heights if given the right learning opportunities.