EVILS AGAINST GIRL CHILD

Vicious Evils of Society plaguing the Girl child     

Children subjected to exploitation like prostitution, child labour often belong to families who are the poorest of poor and very vulnerable and at risk of exploitation in some way or the other. If the family is identified correctly, one may find some history associated with the family in terms of drug abuse, violence, child abuse etc.

Such children leave their families due to unrest or conflicts in the family. They make an attempt to survive on their own by doing any tasks and chores for a living for their family. Poverty cannot be attributed as the only reason for subjecting a child to prostitution. Some inhuman fathers even trade their children (daughters) for alcohol and drugs. Some of the parents are caring, but are helpless and
ignore the fact that their child has been forced in the flesh trade, where as some are tricked into doing it.

The Indian society tends to look at the girl child as an onus; the best way to get rid of it is getting her married off. Due to this attitude, often, the education and health areas of a girl child are ignored. Most families do not invest sufficient money, energy, time or other resources for the development of the girl child, especially so in the rural areas. Due to this, most girls end up doing household chores, working as labourers with parents, looking after younger siblings, etc.
Also, cultural/social evils like child marriages tend to hold back the development of the girl child and often get pulled into sexual exploitation and abuse as a minor.

Indian social beliefs, especially in rural India, coupled with male dominance in society make it even more difficult to rehabilitate the exploited girl. This further reduces her future prospects, since they are not easily embraced by society, let alone for marriage.

It is imperative that the social/cultural scenario with the girl child changes immediately. It is necessary to impart high-quality socio-cultural education to correct the daunting situation.


SAYALI PARAB