A day dedicated to girl power
New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), and Delhi Based NGO Sachhi Saheli organised a program at the NDMC Convention Center to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child 2019, which is held on October 11, every year
On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child 2019, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), and Delhi Based NGO Sachhi Saheli organised a program at the NDMC Convention Center to celebrate the day. The program that was based on the theme 'Empowering the Girl Child for a better tomorrow' had Mala Baijal, Wife of LG of Delhi, as its esteemed Chief Guest.
The program began with the lighting of lamp by all the dignitaries, followed by Ganesh Vandana, performed by the students of NDMC schools.
The welcome address was given by Dr Rashmi Singh, Secretary, NDMC, who said, "Every girl and woman should be empowered. It is very important to break barriers and stereotypes as women and girls have an indispensable role to play in society. It is also imperative to bring a feminine thought in society. She went on to say, "We have been talking a lot about the Swachta mission and about eradicating pollution but we also must understand that while doing do, we also have to eradicate polluted thoughts and gender stereotypes from our hearts to have a just society."
While talking about the significance of the day, Dr Surbhi Singh, President, Sachhi Saheli, said, "Thousands of people are celebrating the girl child day today, but it is also important that girls celebrate themselves. That often fails to happen as girls face problems such as lack of menstrual health knowledge and hygiene. Several girls also face sexual abuse. Therefore, today is the day when all girls must resolve to empower themselves with the right knowledge that will enable them to safeguard their interests while being strong and self-reliant."
Following this, all the dignitaries flagged off a team of teachers and girl students from NDMC schools who embarked on an environment sensitivity training trip in the mountains to learn the importance of cleanliness.
Subsequently at the program, Delhi based and popular Asmita Theatre Group performed their play 'Ajeevika' that shook the audiences to reflect and think.
After witnessing a few performances, Mala Baijal appreciated the efforts of NDMC and Sachhi Saheli for having organised the program and thanked them for inviting her to be a part of it. While talking to the students, Mala Baijal said, "It is very important to have self-confidence and in order to foster the same the government has implemented several schemes for the education and empowerment of the girls, therefore nothing should stop us now as knowledge is power."
The program also saw enthusiastic performances by NDMC school students who with their immense talent brought important messages about girl empowerment to fore.
Legal experts from Delhi Legal Services Authority also graced the event and Judge Kawaljeet Singh (Member Secretary, DSLSA) along with judges Gautam Manan and Namrata Agarwal answered law-related questions for the students. While talking to the girls, Kawaljeet said, "There are several laws and policies in place to safeguard the interest of girls, however, it is important for every girl to stand up and speak for herself so that she can access the laws and policies made for."
The program was concluded with a motivational speech by the Director of Education, NDMC R P Gupta. "I want to congratulate everyone for such wonderful performances and I want every girl to know that they are no less than boys."
