Radio Mirchi with technical support from UNICEF MP took an initiative for the ‘Girl Child’- Beti Ki Awaaz. An event was organised today to mark International Day of the Girl Child and with its theme Girl Force, unscriptable and unstoppable.
Stories of change, meaning girls which are making a difference which were covered in the initiative called as Beti ki Awaz, programme on radio. These stories are being aired on show ‘Hello Bhopal’ by RJ Sukriti of Radio Mirchi. Young girls and adolescents from Harda, Jhabua and Bhopal were present at the meet. Story of Gauranshi, Badminton champion from Bhopal who has challenges was also covered for the show and was present at the event.
The girls featured on the show and who shared their stories today was 22 year old Rajni from Harda district. A student of BA final semester, who is also really looking forward to continue with her further studies and enroll in a post graduate course. And all of this would not have been possible had she not told her father a few years ago in a firm voice that she doesn’t wanna get married and if he persists she might just end up complaining about it to the authorities. They stood by her and that’s an incredible beti who said NO to child marriage.
Another story that was featured was of phenomenal women’s cricket team and the first ever from district Harda. These ‘Betis’ are breaking stereotypes and playing a sport that is largely dominated by men despite having one of the best women’s cricket team in the world. They are already representing their district and wish to play for the national team one day. Also we spoke with group of beti’s from Jhabua district and they are the warriors of nutrition and helping women in their community achieve better health.
Principal Secretary, Woman and Child Development Anupam Rajan encouraged young girls and adolescents who are taking steps to break the barriers and stand up for their issues. He added that State is with them and will support you and all girls to bring positive change in lives of girls of Madhya Pradesh.
Michael Juma, Chief, UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh said that 'As we mark the 25th years of progress for girls globally, it is evidently clear that increased recognition of the rights of women and girls as human rights has result into Rights-based inclusion of the adolescent girls to discuss issues that impact their lives such as child marriage , teenage pregnancy, adolescent anemia, Menstrual Hygiene Management, climate-change, and self-esteem.
Tarun Kumar Pithode, District Collector, Bhopal said these positive examples are encouragement to all and spoke of the efforts being taken by the district and his experiences in working for girls and how girls can bring the change.
Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh, spoke on how this programme titled Beti Ki Awaz, which is collaborative effort of UNICEF and Radio Mirchi was conceived as part of work being done for commemorating 30th years of signing of The Convention on the rights of the child, and providing platform for adolescents to share their stories and views using radio waves.
