India has been working to protect the rights of girl children. In 2014, UNICEF reported that 1 in 3 child brides worldwide is from India. They also noted that around 13 million girls work to support their families, often dropping out of school and being denied opportunities for success.
The Indian government has implemented laws to protect girls’ rights from all forms of discrimination. It ensures they do not continue to face lifelong challenges such as forced marriage, physical assault, and sexual abuse.
This blog will provide you a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework surrounding girl child rights in India.
Important laws protecting the rights of girl children in India
- Right To Education
The Right to Education Act in India ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14, including disabled ones. This empowers every child, regardless of gender. It also fosters informed and empowered girls who contribute significantly to society’s progress. Education about rights leads to self-sufficiency and enlightenment, which makes valuable contributions to our society.
Education empowers girls to break all societal barriers, pursue aspirations, and drive positive change. Many NGOs in India protect children’s rights and work tirelessly to ensure underprivileged children’s rights are protected and respected.
- Right To Be Raised in a Safe Environment
Indian laws prioritize the rights of girl children to a secure, nurturing environment free from violence and exploitation. They promote a protective shield against child labour, trafficking, and harm.
The right to a safe environment is not just a legal requirement but a foundation for developing confident, resilient and socially responsible individuals who will shape the nation’s future. If a child is raised in a safe environment, it fosters creativity and promotes a progressive life.
- Right Against Child Marriage
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act mandates the legal age for girls to marry at 18. It allows them to make informed decisions. On the other hand, the legal age for boys to get married is 21.
This legal right promotes societal transformation by challenging traditional norm. It encourages girls to pursue education, careers, and personal growth without early marriage constraints, transcending legal implications.
- Right Against Sexual Harassment
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in India is a crucial law that provides robust measures against sexual harassment. It ensures the safety and dignity of girl children.
Citizens should prioritize protecting children’s honour, as reported acts of crime against children set an example for future generations, which fosters a sense of safety and justice among citizens.
- Right To Health & Care
India’s legal framework prioritizes maternal and child healthcare to reduce infant mortality rates and promote a healthier society.
The right to quality healthcare is not just a medical necessity but a societal investment in future generations’ well-being. It allows families in lower income brackets to focus on their girl child’s education and other basic needs.
- Right To Equality
Indian laws promote gender equality, with the judiciary implementing regulations to prevent discrimination. This ensures equal opportunities for every child and fosters inclusivity, dismantling gender stereotypes and promoting a view of the girl child as an equal participant in the nation’s progress.
If we promote equality from a young age, it boosts girls’ confidence and teaches future generations not to judge others based on gender.
- Right To Development
India’s legal provisions emphasize holistic development, including nutrition, education, and skill development, as crucial for empowering girls and contributing to societal progress. They also emphasize nurturing talent and potential in young girls.
The provision of equal development opportunities in India fulfills girl child rights. They also invest in a generation that will drive innovation, contribute to economic growth, and shape the nation’s destiny. Girls have proven to be equally capable as boys in developing society.
- Right To Protection
India’s legal system ensures protection against exploitation, abuse, and neglect, including child trafficking and forced labour. It builds a secure environment for girl children to grow and live without any fear.
The Right to Protection safeguards little girls from safety concerns, which allows them to concentrate on self-improvement through education and skill development.
lastly, India is promoting the rights of girls through comprehensive laws on education, healthcare, protection, and gender equality. These laws challenge traditional norms, which empowers girls to break barriers, drive innovation, and contribute to economic and social progress. India’s thoughtful leadership in advocating for these rights ensures that girls are seen as equal contributors to the nation’s success, not just addressing the present.
