A resounding call for gender equality, education, and protection echoed from the National Girl Child Day 2025 Convention held at the Assam Water Centre in Guwahati on Friday.
The event, organized by the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) in collaboration with Child in Need Institute (CINI) and Bal Raksha Bharat (BRB), brought together over 200 stakeholders committed to fostering a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive.
Themed “Empowering the Girl Child: Creating Equal Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow,” the convention highlighted the pressing challenges faced by girls in Northeast India, particularly in education, health, safety, and rights. Participants included 115 young adults, along with representatives from government bodies, law enforcement, academia, NGOs, media, and civil society.
The convention began with an inspiring inauguration and welcome address, setting the tone for an impactful dialogue. Four adolescent girls bravely shared their struggles and aspirations, shedding light on the realities of gender inequality they face.
A high-level panel discussion featuring experts from Women and Child Development (WCD), ASCPCR, academia, social work, and media explored practical solutions to empower girls in Assam. The discussion underscored critical issues such as 31.8% of women aged 20-24 in Assam were married before 18 (NFHS-5).
The panel also observed 11.7% of women aged 15-19 have begun childbearing, female literacy standing at 77.2%, yet dropout rates remain alarming, especially in rural and tribal areas.
ASCPCR reports a 55% rise in cases of violence against women and children between 2018-2019.
The voices of adolescent girls took centre stage, emphasizing the urgent need for policy intervention, awareness, and grassroots action.
The convention concluded with a unified pledge to work towards a future where every girl has access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence. Representatives from organizations like UNICEF Assam, North East Network, and Aide-et-Action vowed to continue their collaborative efforts to ensure girls’ rights and opportunities.
Observed annually on January 24, National Girl Child Day serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers girls face and the need for immediate action. The 2025 theme reaffirms the urgency of creating equal opportunities for every girl in India.
This year’s convention not only amplified the voices of young girls but also reinforced the importance of government, civil society, and local communities working together to ensure the holistic development and empowerment of every girl in Assam and beyond.
