Bengaluru: On the occasion of National Girl Child Day, leading child rights organization Child Rights and You (CRY) hosted a virtual panel discussion – ‘#ItsAGirlThing – A conversation on India’s girls leading the future’. This was an initiative that brought together accomplished women from various fields and three young girls, across various socio-economic backgrounds discussing ways to overcome societal challenges for a brighter and a better life.

The online event was graced by a panel of India’s prominent women icons/role models namely Radha Goenka, Founder of Pehlay Akshar Foundation and Director of RPG Foundation, prominent film critic Sucharita Tyagi, illustrious radio personality Malishka Mendonsa and Sutapa Sanyal, an international speaker and consultant, advisor and trainer on issues related to Gender, Diversity and Inclusion, Women in Leadership, Child Rights and Child Protection.

The audience were girls between the age group  of 7 – 18, along with adults from every nook and corner of the country. The platform enabled the women to share their stories with the young girls on what made their journey possible, and how they overcame societal hurdles to follow their dreams. 

The online event was moderated by a 14 year old  civil service aspirant Neha Jain. Also, among the panelists were two young girls, Komal -who dreams to make all her neighbourhood girls educated and a 17 year old aspirant doctor – Tasbiha Zeeshan Khan speaking about breaking societal stereotypes and helping the community with proper healthcare infrastructures.  

“At CRY we believe every child has a voice that needs to be heard. In working with children over the last four decades we have always espoused their participation in affairs that shape their future. Through this event we wanted to create a dialogue between the women leaders of today and our women of tomorrow on what the future holds for India’s girls, and how they can rise up to their truest potential,” said Puja Marwaha, CEO, CRY.

“It truly fills me with admiration to see the resolve and awareness of the young girls. It was also refreshing to know about the clarity of thought these young girls displayed in discussing such critical topics,” observed Sutapa Sanyal.

Sucharita Tyagi also voiced her appreciation and said, “In a country that is still battling gender in-equality, patriarchy and other issues like education protection and health to name a few, such events bring out stories that matter. I hope we collectively can change the course of these problems in providing a better world for our children.”

“It was absolutely heart-warming to hear the stories of the girls. They are truly motivating and are a true example of grit and determination they hold to fight not so favourable conditions,” said Radha Goenka.

“Over the years, my profession has introduced me to a lot of people from various backgrounds. Being an artist who deals with voice, today it was moving to hear voices from the ground as it reinstates the power of youth and the strength of tomorrow’s women,” said Malishka Mendonsa.

Some Girl Child Facts!

• There are close to 15 million girls who are married before the legal age every year (Census 2011)
• Around 42% of currently married women in India were married as children (Census 2011).
• There are 3.5 million adolescent married girls in India who are non-literate. India has more than 4.5 lakh girls under 15 years of age who are married, and have begun child bearing. Of these 40% are non-literate (Census 2011)
• 53% households and 11% schools had no toilets. This lack of safety deprives young girls of an opportunity to educate themselves and better their lives. (Census 2011)

 ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Radha Goenka is the Founder of Pehlay Akshar Foundation and Director of RPG Foundation. She drives multiple programs in the fields of education, healthcare, women empowerment, heritage, along with various other social outreach programs.   The Pehlay Akshar program is her personal passion, fuelled by her deep conviction that education and in particular grounding in Safe Spaces and Functional English can make a significant difference.

 A University of Pennsylvania Alumna, she has helped to shape, expand, and enrich the Pehlay Akshar program, making it a powerful element in her overarching mission to drive employment and transform lives in India.    

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Sucharita Tyagi is one of the most prominent film critics in India. She is best known for her popular movie reviews on YouTube and Disney Hotstar and has built a community of dedicated fans over the years. A unique voice, she reviews films with honesty and passion through a contemporary lens, breaking down complex issues in a way that is relatable and easy to understand. She’s one of the first members of the nationwide Film Critics Guild. She is also well-known as an emcee, voice-over artist, writer, and feminist. A staunch believer in giving back to society, Sucharita often supports and participates in NGO campaigns and is fierce when it comes to a realistic portrayal of women to nudge society towards gender equality, that’s how the phrase “women telling women stories” has come to be synonymous with her.

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Affectionately known as “Mumbai ki Rani”, Malishka Mendonsa is the adrenaline shot that’s been waking the city up every morning on the radio for the last 12 years.  A woman of many talents. Mumbai knows her as a bold and fearless entertainer who has made herself heard by everyone, from the common man to the authorities.  

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Sutapa Sanyal is an international speaker, writer and advisor on issues of diversity, gender and women in leadership. She is former Director General of Police in Uttar Pradesh, where she was the highest-ranking woman I.P.S. officer. Currently she serves as Director General of Mahila Samman Prakoshth (MSP), an innovative police unit protecting the rights of over 13 million women and children in Uttar Pradesh. She has also represented India at the INTERPOL Specialists Group on the Protection of Children in France. She serves on the Advisory Executive Council of the Women Economic Forum.