Introduction: Confronting Challenges and  Condemning Female Foeticide

Women have historically faced social, economic, and political disparities, leading to movements for change, such as the suffrage movement, feminism, and advocacy for gender equity, including the pervasive issue of female foeticide. Despite significant progress, women’s struggles continue, with women and allies working to create a more just and inclusive world where gender should not be a determinant of opportunities, rights, or dignity.

Where does the Struggle of Women Start? – Breaking Gender Norms & Tackling Female Foeticide

• Gender Identity: Being a boy or a girl is an important part of one’s identity. 
• Societal Expectations: The society in which we grow up teaches us what kind of behaviour is acceptable for girls and boys, and what boys and girls can or cannot do.
• Family Influence: That means the struggle of women starts from the very family in which she grows, encompassing challenges like female foeticide.
• Cultural Variations: We often grow up thinking that these things are exactly the same everywhere. 
• Diverse Upbringings: Often, we think that there is only one way in which children grow up.
  • This is because we are most familiar with our own experiences. 
• Generational Differences: If we talk to elders in our family, we will see that their childhoods were probably very different from ours. 

Various Challenges Faced by Women: Progress and Persisting Challenges, Including Female Foeticide

• Integral Part: Women have been an integral part of India’s culture and society since ancient times. 
  • However, the status of women in India has been a topic of debate and concern for many years. 
• Concerns Remained: Despite the progress made in recent years, there are still many challenges that women in India face today and one of them is female foeticide.

Female Foeticide and Battling Multifaceted Challenges

• Infanticide: Female foeticide and infanticide, particularly in rural areas, remain a significant concern.
• Safety Concerns: Women’s safety and security are also a significant issue, with many incidents of sexual harassment and assault reported each year.
• Gender Pay Gap: Women often earn less than men for similar work, leading to economic inequality.
• Gender-Based Violence: Women frequently experience domestic violence, sexual harassment, and assault, perpetuating fear and insecurity.
• Limited Access to Education: In many parts of the world, girls have less access to quality education, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
• Underrepresentation in Leadership: Women are underrepresented in political and corporate leadership roles, depriving society of diverse perspectives and policies.
• Unequal Household Responsibilities: Women often shoulder the majority of unpaid care work, impacting their careers and well-being.
• Child Marriage: Forced child marriages rob girls of their childhood, health, and education.
• Cultural Norms: Deeply ingrained norms and stereotypes perpetuate gender bias and discrimination.                                         

Progress and Achievements: Triumphs Amidst Challenges, Tackling Female Foeticide

• Women’s Empowerment: In recent years, there have been many positive developments in India’s efforts to empower women. 
• Government Programs and Policies: The government has implemented several programs and policies aimed at improving women’s health, education, and economic opportunities. 
• Increased Workforce Participation: There has been a significant increase in the number of women participating in the workforce, and women have achieved high positions in various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment.

Conclusion: 

• Progress in Women’s Status: The status of women in India has improved significantly in recent years, but there is still a long way to go.
  • Acknowledging Achievements: It is essential to recognize the achievements made so far and continue to work towards a more equitable and just society for women.
  • Equitable Society: By addressing the challenges that women in India face and promoting gender equality, stakeholders can ensure that women can fully participate in all aspects of life and contribute to the development of the country.

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