Senior Correspondent
NewsBits.in
​BHOPAL: To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, Youth4Children forum hosted an event titled ChalkTalk: Her Story #ForEveryGirlChild, bringing together nine young girls to share their experiences, aspirations, and perspectives on key issues affecting girls today.
Guided by this year’s theme, Investing in Girls’ Futures, the event brought together social media influencers, parents, and youth to highlight the critical importance of creating equal opportunities for every girl to learn, grow, and succeed.
​The speakers addressed a wide spectrum of issues, including women’s safety and autonomy, self-defense, child marriage prevention, sports, classical dance, tourism, and mental health.
​Addressing the gathering, William Hanlon, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, emphasized the transformative power of empowering girls.
​“Girls are natural leaders and change-makers. When we support their education, health, and rights, we do more than help one girl—we make all of Madhya Pradesh and India stronger and healthier.”
​Highlighting the event's commitment to prioritizing youth voices, Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, said ​“At ChalkTalk, you, the young girls, have the center stage. You are the ones talking, and we are the ones listening and taking notes. Your stories help us see the world through your lens and can inspire other girls going through difficult times.”
​Underlining the socio-economic impact of empowering young women, Ritu Sharma, CEO of Sanidhya NGO, added​“Investing in girls is the best investment with the greatest returns.”
​Among the inspiring speakers was Naina Khare from Orchha, a self-defense trainer under Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s Safe Tourism Destination for Women initiative.
Sharing her story of strength and independence, she said “I believe women and girls should be independent, which is why I train females in self-defense. After learning self-defense, I am no longer afraid and feel confident that I can take on challenges by myself. My mother is my inspiration because, after walking away bravely from an abusive marriage, she worked hard to raise my brother and me.”
​Praveena Parmar, an NCC cadet from Dhar, spoke about overcoming gender stereotypes in pursuit of her dreams:
​“I wanted to be an army officer since I was a child, but I faced many questions and doubts from society because I’m a girl. But my father always believed in me. He keeps reminding me that I can do anything. He is my biggest supporter. Every parent should support their children.”
​Through ChalkTalk: Her Story, Youth4Children reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying girls' voices, strengthening their agency, and advocating for investments that ensure every girl can realize her full potential.
