National Girl Child Day, celebrated every year on January 24th, is a day dedicated to acknowledging the rights, achievements and potential of girls across India. Established by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008, this day highlights the need for equal opportunities, gender equality, and the eradication of discrimination faced by girl child. In Kashmir, a region often overshadowed by conflict and stereotypes, the stories of determined and talented girls who have broken barriers shine brightly, underscoring the transformative power of education, perseverance and community support.
The celebration of National Girl Child Day is rooted in addressing the historical injustices and disparities faced by girl children in India. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering girls to shape a better future. The Government, NGOs and civil society mark this day by launching initiatives to combat female infanticide, child marriage and gender-based violence, while promoting education and health care for girls.
In Kashmir, the significance of this day is amplified by the unique challenges the region faces. Cultural and social barriers, coupled with years of turmoil, have often limited opportunities for girls. However, in recent years, there has been a shift, with more families and communities supporting the aspirations of their daughters, fostering a wave of hope and change.
Insha Mushtaq, hailing from Shopian, exemplifies resilience. In 2016, during a time of unrest in the valley, Insha lost her eyesight due to pellet injuries. Despite the trauma and physical challenges, she refused to give up on her dreams. With immense support from her family and determination, Insha pursued her education through braille and audio materials. She cleared her Class 10 and 12 exams and is now aspiring to become a lawyer. Her story has inspired countless girls in the valley to overcome adversities and focus on their goals.
Iqra Rasool, popularly known as the "Supergirl of Kashmir," is a young cricketer from Baramulla. From a region where sports for girls was rarely encouraged, Iqra broke all stereotypes to pursue her passion for cricket. Battling societal pressures and limited resources, she trained rigorously and earned a place in various national-level tournaments. Today, Iqra is not only an inspiration for aspiring female athletes in Kashmir but also a symbol of how sports can empower young girls.
Tajamul Islam, a young girl from Bandipora, gained international recognition when she won the World Kickboxing Championship in Italy at the age of 8. Her journey was not without challenges—limited facilities and societal skepticism about girls participating in combat sports. However, her family’s unwavering support and her determination helped her achieve this remarkable feat. Tajamul’s success story has encouraged many young girls in Kashmir to take up sports and break traditional barriers.
Dr. Ruveda Salam, a native of Kupwara, became the first woman from Kashmir to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2013. Her journey from a remote district to becoming an IPS officer was filled with obstacles, including limited access to resources and societal expectations. Yet, her perseverance and hard work paid off, making her a role model for aspiring female bureaucrats in the valley.
In the field of technology, young Kashmiri women are making strides. A group of girls from Srinagar—Aabroo, Mehreen and Hafsa—developed a mobile app to address the issue of garbage disposal in the city. Their innovation received accolades from both local and national platforms. Such initiatives highlight how education and technology can empower girls to address community issues and contribute meaningfully to society.
Several initiatives have been launched in Kashmir to support the education and empowerment of girl children:
This flagship program by the Government of India has been instrumental in increasing awareness about the importance of educating girls. In districts like Anantnag and Pulwama, where the program has been actively implemented, there has been a noticeable improvement in female literacy rates.
Launched by the Indian Army in collaboration with local NGOs, this program offers free coaching to underprivileged students, with a special focus on girls aspiring to crack competitive exams like NEET and JEE. Many girls from rural areas have benefitted from this initiative, gaining admission to prestigious medical and engineering colleges.
Organizations like Society for Human Empowerment are conducting vocational training programs for girls in embroidery, tailoring and IT. These programs not only enhance their employability but also instill confidence and financial independence.
The stories of Kashmiri girls excelling in various fields reflect a broader cultural and social transformation in the valley. Families that once hesitated to invest in their daughters’ education are now supporting their aspirations wholeheartedly. The participation of girls in cultural festivals, science fairs and sports events is a testament to this positive change.
One such example is the "Kashur Riwaaj" cultural festival, where thousands of girls participated in traditional dance and music performances. Events like these showcase the immense talent and enthusiasm of Kashmiri girls, challenging stereotypes and promoting their cultural identity.
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Issues like gender-based violence, child marriage and unequal access to education still affect many girls in Kashmir. Efforts must be intensified to address these issues at all possible levels and platforms.
Strict enforcement of laws against child marriage and violence, coupled with community awareness programs, can help curb these issues. And give confidence to parents of girl child to look after the child and her aspirations in future as a confident member of society.
Building more schools and sports facilities in remote areas can provide girls with better opportunities to learn and grow. Involving religious scholars and teachers in this initiative will have for teaching affects as they have lot of influence in Kashmiri Society.
Showcasing the achievements of girls like Insha Mushtaq, Iqra Rasool, Tajamul Islam and many more such achievers can inspire more families to support their daughters’ ambitions.
With technology becoming an essential tool for education and innovation, digital literacy programs for girls in rural areas can bridge the gap and open new avenues.
National Girl Child Day is not just a celebration but a call to action to ensure that every girl in India has the opportunity to realize her potential. The inspiring stories of Kashmiri girls breaking barriers and achieving their dreams are a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and community support. By investing in the education and empowerment of girl children, we can pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for Kashmir and the nation as a whole. Let all of us, as a society join hands for making this world in general and India in particular a safe and respectful place for a girl child and each one of us proud of our girl children