Parents' role in ending gender discrimination stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, March 05 2025: Emphasising the role of parents in eliminating gender discrimination, Health Services director Dr Chambo Gonmei stated that providing equal treatment to children of both genders by parents can significantly reduce discrimination against the girl child.

He was speaking as chief guest at the 'National Girl Child Day - 2025 cum Sensitisation Programme on Gender Discrimination & PC-PNDT Act' held at IMA Heritage Hall, Lamphelpat, on Wednesday.

The programme was jointly organised by Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique (PC-PNDT), Directorate of Family Welfare Services, and State Health Society, NHM, Manipur.

Parents' role in ending gender discrimination stressed

The theme for National Girl Child Day - 2025 is "Empowering Girls for a Bright Future ", which highlights the importance of providing equal opportunities to girls, enabling them to shape their future and recognising their role in society.

The observance was marked by the slogan 'Every girl is a beacon of hope, intelligence, and strength', followed by a pledge to nurture, protect, and empower girls to help them grow into strong and independent women.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Chambo Gonmei noted that although gender discrimination has reduced to some extent in the state, there are still individuals who feel disappointed on birth of a girl child.

He also noted that while Manipur follows a patriarchal system, women have a promine nt role and are excelling in various fields, often leading their male counterparts.

The director further highlighted that girls from the state are achieving remarkable success in different domains, including sports, and are bringing laurels to the state and the country.

Manipur can serve as a role model in eliminating discrimination against the girl child, he added.

Stating that female foeticide is a criminal offense, Dr Chambo urged all stakeholders to adhere to the PC-PNDT Act and extend support to the girl child for a prosperous future.

He also informed that the State PC&PNDT Cell is closely monitoring illegal practices in clinics with USG services, unauthorised operations by unregistered clinics, and the procurement of USG machines from unregistered firms.

He emphasised that girls are precious and play a crucial role in shaping the future of society.

"Parents and the community must support and guide them in achieving their dreams, address their concerns, help them become self-reliant, provide financial and mental support, and involve them in decision-making.

This requires collective public cooperation," asserted the director.

Reflecting on the crisis situation in the state, Dr Chambo highlighted that as many adolescent girls are staying in relief camps, the government is formulating policies to support them, since prolonged stays in such conditions could jeopardise their future and the state as a whole.

He added that the health department is actively coordinating with CSOs, NGOs, and key stakeholders to provide the necessary support to these girls.

Presiding over the function, family welfare services director Dr N Hemantakumar, stressed that equal opportunities must be provided to the girl child for a brighter future, while asserting that when girls have a secure and empowered future, the objectives of such observances will be fulfilled.

He also stated that the slogan of the observance aims to promote gender equality and noted that the presence of young girls at the event reflected the nurturing of the girl child without discrimination to a considerable extent.

Dr Hemantakumar further remarked that women and girls are leading society in various spheres, and their empowerment must be consolidated.

He then urged the people to ensure the safety of girl child and their equal treatment, while also calling for raising awareness and conducting counselling to change the mindset of those who discriminate against girls.

At the same time, he appealed to the public to refrain from exploiting girls and women through social media platforms.

NHM Manipur State Mission director Dr M Dinesh attended the event as the guest of honour.

The observance was also attended by PC-PNDT state nodal officer Dr Sujata Huidrom, staff and officials of the health department, and nursing students, among others.

As part of the programme, an interactive session was conducted on the significance of National Girl Child Day, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme, Gender-Biased Sex Selection, and the Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique (PC-PNDT) Act.