Phenomenal girls from MP share their stories on international day of girl child

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: Young girls from Harda, Jhabua and Bhopal, who have surmounted challenges to carve their niche in life will be featured in Radio shows under an initiative ‘Beti ki Awaz’ (Daughter’s voice) of UNICEF, MP and Radio Mirchi.

These girls who would feature on the show ‘Hello Bhopal’ by RJ Sukriti, participated in a meet held on International Day of Girl Child on Friday in Bhopal and shared their stories. They included Gauranshi, Badminton champion from Bhopal, with challenges.

Among the girls who shared their stories was 22-year-old Rajni from Harda district. A student of BA final semester, who is now looking forward to continue with her further studies and enroll in a postgraduate course.

Her further education would not have been possible had she not told her father a few years ago in a firm voice that she does not want to get married as a minor and if he (father) persisted, she might just end up complaining about it to the authorities.

The family decided to stand by their incredible ‘Beti’ who said no to child marriage. Another story featured was of a phenomenal women’s cricket team - the first ever from district Harda.

These ‘Betis’ are breaking stereotypes and playing a sport that is largely dominated by men despite. They are already representing their district and wish to play for the national team one day.

‘Betis’ from Jhabua district who are the warriors of nutrition and helping women in their community achieve better health also shared their work. 

Principal Secretary Women and Child Development Anupam Rajan encouraged young girls and adolescents who are taking steps to break the barriers and stand up for their issues. He added that the State is with them and will support them to bring about positive change in lives of girls of Madhya Pradesh. 

Michael Juma, Chief , UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh  said that 'As we mark the 25th year of progress for girls globally, it is clear that increased recognition of the rights of women and girls as human rights has resulted into Rights-based inclusion of the adolescent girls to discuss issues that impact their lives such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, adolescent anemia, menstrual hygiene management, climate-change and self-esteem.’

Tarun Kumar Pithode, District Collector, Bhopal said these positive examples are encouragement to all and spoke of the efforts being taken by the district and his experiences in working for girls and how girls can bring the change.

Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, spoke on how the programme Beti Ki Awaz, was conceived as part of work being done for commemorating 30th years of signing of the convention on the rights of the child, and providing platform for adolescents to share their stories and views using radio waves. 

Pankaj Chaturvedi, motivational speaker, Syed Amir Salim, Station Director Radio Mirchi, Shrishti Pragat of Sky Social, NGO who is supporting this effort, Dr Vandana Bhatia, Health Specialist, UNICEF, Bhakti Sharma, Sarpanch from Fanda block of Bhopal  and Aman Khishti, Programming Head of Radio Mirchi Bhopal also spoke on the occasion.