How can donations help to support girl’s education?

What is Donation? How does it work?

Donation is the aid or support given willingly to those who are a victim or is in need. It serves on the basis of humanitarian grounds. Charity can not be used for personal profit. It must be used to fulfil the objectives for which the donation has been made. It aims to reduce poverty and advance art , culture, education and science.

What is donation for girl child education?

Education is important for everyone, whether they are boys or girls. Education makes one think and make decisions in the right way, become successful, and set an example for everyone. In developing countries, the education ratio among girls is very poor. The situation is that girls can not even attend school regularly or pursue their education.

Donations for girls’ education help to improve the positive environment for girls to get a hindrance-free education. The donation for girls’ education aims to give them a quality education like STEM education. Organizations that work to increase young women’s and girls’ access to education, especially in local communities and areas where girls face barriers to education.

These donations for girls’ education generally aim to increase children’s time spent in school, providing them with infrastructure, quality education, a safe environment, the basic relationships required for girls, tutoring from outside, etc. 

Importance of donation for girls’ education?

Education is an essential and imperative tool for girls to make them realize their maximum potential by getting educated and developing crucial skills that show them the path to social and economic empowerment. Donations support the education of Indian girls, especially those who come from marginalized communities.

Despite all government schemes and initiatives, gender inequality is still a major issue for girls getting an education, especially in rural areas. Donations help in many ways to improve the education of female children.

Expanding educational opportunities :-

Providing financial aid to girls’ education will cover school fees, books, and other educational materials to expand females’ access to education.

Girls with greater education are likely to have higher-paying jobs, which may help bring families out of poverty. Women with higher education also support the nation’s economy by working and paying taxes, which can boost the economy as a whole.

Supplying instructional materials 

For girls who may not have the opportunity to have educational resources, charities offer educational assets, including books, school materials, and uniforms. This makes it possible for females to get the support they need to excel in the classroom.

Training and assistance for teachers

To bring girls forward in society, it is very important to give a good education to them. Through donations, teachers can get training and support to give quality education and create a more positive and friendly school environment for girls. So that girls can realize their potential and receive a high-quality education.

Development of leadership and mentoring: 

Donations help to assist girls in gaining confidence, developing their leadership abilities, and pursuing their objectives, It offers mentorship and leadership development programs to empower girls, which enables them to succeed in the classroom and life.

Promoting and increasing awareness

Charities promote laws and initiatives that encourage girl’s access to education and increase the public’s awareness of the importance of education for women. It raises the possibility that girls will enrol in and finish school and also encourages the development of a more encouraging atmosphere for their education.

Brings better economic results

By educating girls we can make a better and economically stronger society. Girls with more education have a greater chance of earning more money, which can help bring families out of poverty. By working and paying taxes, educated women also support the nation’s economy and may also boost economic growth.

Women empowerment

Empowering women is important for gender inequality and the growth of society. Donations help to educate girls, which puts them in a safer place in society.
Girl who get education become more confident in their choices and make good decisions about their lives by actively participating in society.

Conclusion : 

By helping girls through donating , help them to receive an education is removing the barriers to education that they suffer.

The lives of underprivileged children in India can be significantly improved by donating to their education and helping them succeed in their lives.  

Child Drug Addiction & Substance Abuse in India

Introduction:

Drug addiction and substance abuse is a kind of disease that affects the brain and behaviour of children and leads to an inability to control the use of drugs or medicines.
Among youngsters , adolescence has become a social problem for them. In India, children frequently become habitual to taking different types of addiction, like alcohol , heroine, opium etc.

Alcohol and opioid addiction is very common in India. According to some data, alcohol addiction is the leading problem for death and disability all over the world.

There are some narcotics which are frequently used by Indians are Cannabis( like Ganja , charas , bhang) heroin, and pharmaceuticals made in India are the reason for Substance abuse in India. These types of hard drugs, like opioids and , are easily available, which is an important cause of substance abuse in youngsters and adolescents. Studies show that the common age group of substance abuse ranges from 12 to 20 years.

The cause of children becoming entangled with addiction:

As the day passes, the children indulge in child drug addiction in India just to feel good. There are many causes that lead children to get involved in drug addiction.

The causes for drug addiction are:

Different sources of interaction :

There are different sources of interaction which influence children very much like – social, cultural, personality, cognitive and developmental factors. These sources affect children so much that they change their life prospective and change their whole life.

Poor self-image:

Children who had used to fit in with a peer group, especially in youth, pose a risk to an individual with low self-esteem. Most people who have experienced childhood trauma also identify with low self-esteem, and many people who identify with substance abuse disorders also have a history of trauma.

Parental rejection:

When parents do not take care of their children’s happiness, this has so much impact on children’s minds. They feel unwanted and unloved. This could cause the child to feel unloved and unwanted, which could be harmful to their mental and physical health.

Unhealthy family:

Family circumstances put so much pressure on children’s behaviour. If a family always fights or misbehaves with each other, it makes the environment of the family unhealthy. Children want to get away from this environment and, because of this, they get involved in bad company and start addiction .

Poor school performance:

Sometimes children fall under pressure of getting good marks in school. Family want their children to get good marks and this puts too much pressure. Because of that, children get involved in bad companies and substance abuse.

Divorce :

Many research has shown that children of divorced homes have poorer levels of well-being. An increased risk for children and adolescents of experiencing adjustment issues, such as scholastic challenges, has been linked to parental divorce or separation.

over-controlled by parents:

For parents, being careful towards children is good to prevent child drug addiction in India. But sometimes over caring puts the wrong impact on children. This over- controlling nature of parents makes children distracted from their own

Signs and symptoms:

It may be difficult to determine whether children is misusing drugs or alcohol. Many indicators of teenage drug use are just signs of common behaviour among young adults. Addiction to substances is often accompanied by mental health problems like anxiety or depression.

Among the symptoms or behaviours of drug addiction are:

• The feeling that you must use the substance frequently, such daily or multiple times a day; extreme cravings that prevent you from thinking of anything else.
• committing crimes you wouldn’t typically undertake in order to obtain the substance, like stealing,
  when under the influence of drugs, engaging in hazardous activities such as driving getting, using, and recovering from drug use all need a significant amount of time.
• Consuming greater dosages of the medication for longer than you had planned ensuring that you have an adequate supply of the medication.
• Purchasing medicine with money that you don’t have.
• You may also reduce your social or recreational activities or miss work or other obligations.
• Gradually, requiring higher dosages of the medication to have the same result.

Preventative action:

Along with several programmes to females’ education, the government has also adopted preventive measures to shield kids from becoming disoriented and cloaked in their childhood and developing drug and alcohol addictions. The govt has launched laws and policies and some preventive programs against the abuse of drugs , alcohol, tobacco and other harmful substances.

• Maintaining the 364 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), which offer services like motivational counselling, detoxification/de-addiction, reintegration, aftercare, prevention education, awareness-raising.
• Preserving the 54 community-based peer-led intervention (CPLI) centres, which target children and adolescents who are vulnerable and at risk. Peer educators use this to involve kids in activities that promote life skills and awareness-building.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was introduced in 272 districts with the assistance of over 8,000 young volunteers. Under the Abhiyaan, over 44 lakh youth have been reached out to.
• They brought the advisory to limit the access to alcohol and narcotics. Like- refusal of sale to minors.
• Prohibiting the promotion of tobacco and alcohol like substances, especially when it comes in the case of children and young people.
• Organising educational programs by collaboration with the media to disclose anti-drug campaigns to protect and preserve the health of the children and young people.

Current data :

According to the surveys report, the three substances that teenagers most frequently admitted using in the previous year were cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine vaping. These percentages largely coincided with those reported in 2021.

•  According to 2022.1.58 crore children aged between 10 and 17 years are addicted to substances in the country, the government told the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
• Alcohol consumption held steady for students in the eighth and tenth grades (15.2% and 31.3%, respectively) but went back to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 (51.9% of 12th graders reporting alcohol usage in the previous year).
• The number of eighth children, tenth graders, and twelfth grades who claimed to have used nicotine in the previous year was 12.3%, 20.5%, and 27.3%, respectively. This trend continued for all three grade levels questioned.

Promoting STEM Education for Girls in India

Introduction:-

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Since technology is advancing so rapidly, there is a need for a strong foundation of STEM education in India.

The first STEM function was initiated by the ‘US National Science Foundation’ in 2001. Generally, we see very little involvement of girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), which is a matter of concern.

In today’s education world, it’s very important to make advancements to promote girls’ education through STEM. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is very important for economic growth, scientific research, and development. It helps a country to become more powerful and successful.

The strong emphasis on STEM education is essential for global competitiveness, fostering challenges, and helping to solve complex challenges.

STEM is vital in scientific programs, healthcare and biotechnology, economic development, energy production, environmental conservation, infrastructure development, artificial intelligence, and data science. According to the article, India is one of those countries that has the most doctors and engineers.

Girls participation in STEM:

STEM is a section of study that is very important for the growth of the country. There is some data given related to girls’ participation in STEM education.

• According to the evaluated report GGI (Global Gender Gap) 2023 with 146 countries, the total female workforce is 29.2%.
• According to the National Science Foundation, the percentage of females graduating through STEM is 43%, which is higher all over the world. However, the percentage of females participating in the STEM work area is only 14%.
• In India, the problem is not that females are not getting an education; the problem is that girls do not participate in work even though they have completed their education through STEM.
• As science and technology contribute significantly to the economic sector, they can play an important role in increasing the participation of women in STEM in society by ensuring gender-neutral pay.

Challenges Faced by Girls in STEM in India

Social Inequality:

Girls are still seen with such little regard in our society. Girls are not permitted to pursue studies in STEM fields. They claim that these streams are only for men.

Household Chores:

Girls are under too much pressure in our society to take care of the home and take care of their little siblings. Instead of spending enough time for study, they spend a lot of time on household tasks.

Financial Reason:

Families don’t want to pay a huge amount for a girl’s education. So that they offer them to study through the arts or any other languages.

Early marriage or marriage pressure:

The family puts pressure on girls to get married at an early age. Or to first do the marriage and education in marriage, then complete their education. Because of that, they can’t pursue their education. Somehow, they complete their education, but they don’t get permission to do the job.

Gender Gap:

The gender gap is also one of the reasons why girls are facing problems in STEM education. According to World Bank data, in India, despite having a higher proportion of girls having graduated in STEM, the women’s share of the STEM workforce is less than one-third of the STEM workforce.

Strategies for Promoting STEM Education for Girls

To improve girls’ participation in STEM education, the government and different organizations have taken many initiatives. Some of them are given below:

The CURIE Scheme:

• The CURIE (Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence) was introduced in 2008–2009.
• This CURIE scheme was introduced by DST (Department of Science and Technology) under the KIRAN scheme.
• This scheme provides support to women’s institutions to establish state-of-the-art research infrastructure so that they can enhance research facilities and improve R&D activities.

Vigyan Jyoti Scheme:

This scheme, the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme, aims to address the degradation of women in different fields of STEM.

• Initially, a scheme was introduced at the school level for classes 9–12 to encourage meritorious girls to pursue their higher education.
• Later, it was introduced for the girls’ students from class 11 and up to the PHD level to encourage them to pursue their career in a STEM field. Ph.D.
• To motivate girls, various activities like science camps, special lectures and classes, counseling of students and parents, and interaction with role models are being conducted.

The GATI Scheme:

The GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) program was launched by the Honourable Prime Minister of India on the occasion of National Science Day.

• The concept of this pilot project, GHATI, was given by DST( Department of Science and Technology).
• It was aimed at promoting gender equality in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) by encouraging higher education institutes toward a gender-equitable and inclusive future.
• This project was started by DST in partnership with the British Council.

WISE-KIRAN:

WISE-KIRAN (‘Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN)
scheme was introduced by the DST (Department of Science and Technology).

• The program was aimed at bringing gender parity to the fields of science and technology.
• It enhances the participation of girls in S&T (science and technology) so that they can pursue their careers in STEM.
• The WISE-KIRAN scheme addresses the different challenges faced by women in their journey toward S&T education.
• Some programs run under this scheme area –
  • a) Fellowship for Ph.D.
  • b) Opportunity for Post-Doctoral Research
  • c) Internship for an alternative career path in STEM
  • d)Overseas Opportunities

Conclusion –

As the conclusion of STEM education, programs like GATI, Vigyan Jyoti, WISE-KIRAN, etc. are introduced to evaluate the education of girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Apart from these schemes, schools can also make an effort to motivate STEM education for girls in India. They can provide success stories or female role models, such as female engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and technology professionals, who talk about their careers and journeys.

Govt. Schemes and Programs Supporting Girls’ Education In India

Introduction-

For the growth of any society or country, equality is very important in the sense of education. In our past, there was a huge difference between girls’ education and boys’ education. Girls have to face many hindrances to get education.
Now the Govt. is taking many steps to improve girls’ education. They are trying to educate, empower and uplift girls by providing different sources and launching different schemes .
Here we are going to discuss different schemes which are launched by the govt to provide a path for girls to get their education.

National scheme

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

The Indian government unveiled the Beti Bachao Beti Badhao project in 2015. This initiative’s primary goal is to raise public awareness of the importance of girls’ education. Together, relevant departments and ministries, the State Government, and UTs carry it out.
It is implemented through a three-tier structure – District, State, and National level.

This Government schemes and Programs Supporting Girls’ Education in India helps to promote the education and health of the female child. So that they can contribute to societies’ development and break down the barriers to girls’ education.

Development till date:-

• According to the SRB Index, the growth of the scheme is like this – it’s 918 from 2014-2015, and 934 from 2019 – 2020. Growth of 16 points in five years. Growth of 16 points seen in five years.
• In 4 years, from 2014 – 2015 to 2018 – 2019, there are 422 districts covered out of 640 districts under BP in Sex Ratio Birth ( SRB).
• The NGER ( National Growth Enrolment Ratio) of girls has also been improving in the last few years. Girls’ performance in secondary schools increased by 3.87 points, from 77.45 in 2014–2015 to 81.32 in 2018–2019.
• The ANC (Antenatal Register) rate grew from 61% in 2014–15 to 71% in 2019–2020.
• The number of schools with separate and functional toilets has been increased from 92.1% in 2014-2015 to 95.1% in 2018.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

This scheme was initiated in 2015, by the Govt. to give financial aid to girls’ education. It is a small deposit scheme, which allows parents to open a saving account with a high interest rate of 7.6%.
There are some points mentioned by the govt for the opening of the Account:

• The minimum and maximum deposits allowed in a financial year are Rs 250 and Rs 1.5 lakh respectively.
• The girl must be younger than ten years old and have an account opened in her name.
• Only one account can be opened in the name of a girl child.
• The account can be opened at the post office and by authorized banks.
• According to the policy, the money can be withdrawn or closed anytime after the female child becomes 18 years old for her education or marriage.
• The account can be transferred anywhere in India from one branch to another.
• In accordance with Income Tax Act section 80c, this plan also offers tax advantages.
• After the age of 18 years the girl can manage her account herself.

Balika Samridhi Yojana

The girl child who comes from low-income families can participate in the Balika Samridhi Yojna. If they fulfils all the criteria , they will get the benefit of the scheme.

• October 2, 1997, was the launch date of this initiative.
• There are some details related to the yojana.
• To open the account , the girl must be born on or after 15th Aug 1997.
• She must belong to BPL family.
• She Must be enrolled in school.
• This scheme provides financial assistance to the family for a minimum of 2 girls in the family.
• The scheme gives Rs500 on the birth of the child and Rs 300 to Rs 500 as annual scholarships from class 1st to 10th.

Till last data the coverage of beneficiaries is 12357 girl child.

CBSE Udaan Scheme 

It is one of the best girls’ schemes, which is administered by the Ministry of Education. This scholarship program is launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education to the meritorious female students who belong to economically vulnerable families in India and help them achieve their dreams.

• This scheme is for students of class 11th and 12th from CBSE affiliated schools.
• This scheme provides online tutorials ,study materials and video lectures.
• It provides student helpline services to clear doubts of the students , monitor their learning .
• Intensive face-to face session for the focused group of students to help them in preparation of JEE advance and JEE ( Mains).
• Assessment is designed to provide effective feedback on learning.
• Organisations also provide motivation classes.
• virtual designated contact classes at 60 designated centers.

There are some criteria for this scheme :-

• The girl should be an Indian citizen.
• The students must be from a science background which includes – Math , Physics and chemistry.
• The girl should obtain 70% marks in class 10 and 80 % marks in maths and science through the board which follows CGPA.
• The family income should be below 6 lack per anum.
• Any girl studying in KV/ Govt school / NV/ or any CBSE affiliated private schools.
• The selection of the students will be completely based on merit and depends on the city chosen by the the students for the virtual classes.

State Government schemes for Girl Child

DELHI LAADLI SCHEME-

First launched on January 1st, 2008, this program. The Delhi NCT Government’s Department of Women and Children introduced it. To empower the girls who are born in Delhi, this scheme was launched.

Objectives are :-

• To empower the female child socially & economically .
• To improve the sex ration and control the female forticied.
• This also helps to improve education among girls and reduce the drop out- rate of girl students.

Benefits :-

• It provides financial assistance of Rs 11,000 if the girl child is born in a hospital and 10,000 if born at home.
• Girl children get Rs 5000 at the time of admission into class 1st/ 6th / 9th.
• It also provides Rs 5000 at the time of passing 10th and 12th.

Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana

This scheme was launched by Bihar Government. This scheme was launched by the Govt to inspire the girls toward education and give them financial help from their birth till they get their graduation.

Objective of the scheme :-

• For girls who graduated after 2018, it provides financial aid of Rs. 25,000.
• It provides financial assistance of Rs 2000 at the time of the girl kid’s birth and Rs 5000 when the girl child reaches adulthood after 20 years.
• Rs 1000 for the initial immunization.
• Rs 600 for admission in class 1st .( For uniform)
• Rs 700 between classes 3rd to 5th .( For uniform)
• Between the sixth and eighth standard, Rs 1000, and between the ninth and twelfth, Rs 1500.
• It offers 10,000 at graduation and 25,000 upon completion of the program.

Maharastra Manjhi kanya Bhagyashree Scheme

This scheme was launched in 1st August 2017 by the WCD Department. In order to change the mindset of society towards girls children, Maharashtra Govt launched the scheme.

Benefits :-

• This scheme provides Rs 50,000 for a single girl child and for two girls children 25,000 each in the name of both girls.
• The family can withdraw the interest amount every 6 years.

Conclusion –

Through this type of scheme govt can change the societies attitude toward girls education. By these schemes govt can also control female foeticide and to improve the sex ratio.

By getting education, girls can break the barriers to their development. through education
they can achieve success in life and make their life better.

Success Stories: Indian Women Who Broke Educational Barriers.

Introduction-

India has a long history of producing outstanding and inspiring women women who have changed the nation and the world by making important contributions in a variety of professions. Women play a significant role in society. However, women have contributed to the world’s stability, growth, and long-term growth. Whether they are homemakers, engineers, teachers, or something else entirely, they use their strength, resolve, and belief to make the world a better place to live.

Savitribai Phule-

Savitri Phule is one of the greatest inspiring women of our India. She was a poet from Maharashtra, India . She has made a great contribution to our society and especially towards girl’s education. Towards society her contributions are like this:-

• She became the first female teacher in India.
• She set up first school for girls with his husband in india , in 1848.
• She worked for the rights of women in India.
• She also tried to end the unfair treatment and social class based on sex in india.
• She had challenged the gender roles prevalent , when the British colonised India .

Fathima Beevi –

Fatima Beevi was born in Kerala and studied Law after encouraging of his father . She has created history after becoming a judge in the Supreme Court of India. In her over71 years of journey, she made such many great works :

• She was the first female judge of the Supreme Court in India .
• She was the first Muslim woman to be appointed to any of the higher judiciaries in the country .
• She topped the bar Council exam and became
• the first woman to receive a bar Council gold medal.
• She had also worked as a district and sessions judge and a High Court judge .
• She has also served in national Human Right Commission and governor of Tamil Nadu .

Kalpana Chawla –

Kalpana Chawla was the first Indo-American women astronaut and aerospace engineer who flew to space. In 1997, she first flew the space shuttle Columbia. There are some reasons why Kalpana Chawla is renowned:-

• When Kalpana Chawla became the first Indian woman to fly into space in 1971, history was created.
• As the principal robotic arm operator and mission specialist, she made her space shuttle Columbia debut.
• Her talent and hard work have inspired young people around the world.
• Kalpana Chawla was one of seven named after the Columbia’s crew.
• In the name of Kalpana Chawla, the Govt of Karnataka has instituted an award named “ The Kalpana Chawla award” to recognize young women scientists.

Anandibai Joshi –

One outstanding example of Indian women’s empowerment is Anandibai Joshi. In both India and the USA, she served as an inspiration for several women who wished to become doctors. She has done some incredible work which is like these:-

• The first female physician from India was Anandibai Joshi.
• She was the first Hindu woman to receive a formal medical education.
• Anandibai also became the first woman from the Bombay presidency of India, who had graduated with a two-year degree in Western medicine from a foreign country.
• Anandiben has a rich legacy. She inspired many women with her courage to tackle all obstacles that came in the way of her education.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw –

Kiran mazumdar is a great Indian billionaire entrepreneur. Her life and achievements inspire a lot and her story has become a great women’s empowerment story. She is the founder and executive chairperson of Biocon limited & Biocon Biologics limited, in Bangalore. She got some achievements like this :-

• She was awarded by Padma shri (1989) and Padma Bhushan (2005).
• She received Othmer Gold Medal and Global Economy Prize for Business ( 2014).
• In 2016, she received the Knight of the National Order of the French Legion of Honour.
• In 2017, she became the receiver of the AWSM award for excellence.
• She received an EY Entrepreneur of the year India award and ICMR’s Lifetime Achievement award for Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare in 2019.
• In 2020 , she received an Order of Australia award .

Tessy Thomas –

Tesy Thomas is an Indian scientist and Director General of Aeronautical Systems. She is the former Project Director for Agni-4 missiles in DRDO.
She has done some great work towards Science in India:-

• Tessy Thomas, known as the ‘Missile Women’ of India.
• Tessy Thomas is the first Indian women scientist to head a missile project in India.
• For the long-range missile system, she designed the guidance scheme , which is used in all Agni missiles.
• She also served as the project director of the Agni-4 and Agni-5 missiles.
• She is an expert in solid propellant systems.

Arunima Sinha-

Arunima Sinha is a great example of courage , dedication and sacrifice . She has proven that with courage and dedication, you can do anything. Arunima Sinha is an Indian mountaineer. Arunima is the worlds first female amputee who scale 7 mountain peaks. She was deeply inspired by Youvraj Sings’ life journey, who successfully battled cancer .
Her life’s achievement’s can be seen like this:-

• Arunima Sinha is the world’s first female amputee mountaineer who climbed 7 mountain peeks.
• She scale Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kosciuszko, Aconcagua, Denali and Vinson Massif.
• She got prestigious ‘ Padma Shri ‘ and Tenzing Norgay Highest Mountaineering Award in 2015.
• Arunima also received her honorary doctorate from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow,UK.
• She made it to the list of ‘People of the Year’ by Limca Book of Record and ‘ First Lady Award’ in 2016.

Radhika Menon –

When Radhika Menon was elevated to the rank of Captain in the Indian Merchant Navy, she brought pride to the nation. In addition, she has received numerous honours for her gallantry, commitment, and exceptional work.
Some of her achievements are like this:-

• She is the 1st female captain of the Indian Merchant Navy.
• She also leads the oil products product tanker Suvarna Swarajya.
• She was granted the esteemed Exceptional Bravery at Sea award in 2016.
• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also given her an award for managing a rescue effort that saved the lives of seven fishermen.
• Radhika Menon has also received the Naari Shakti Award from the Honourable President.

Rukhmabai Bhosale –

Rukhnabai is a well-known person from the medical field. She has done so much for the country she sacrificed her life for the treatment of the country’s people. There are some achievements that she made while serving for the country:

• In 1984 she received the “Doctor of Medicine award from the London School of Medicine for women.
• She also became the first Indian woman who receive a medical degree in 1886.
• Rukhmabai Bhosle was the second woman who received both a medical degree and practiced medicine.
• In 1895 she was appointed as chief medical officer in India.
• In 1918 she got the role in the women’s medical service.
• She established the Red Cross Society at Rajkot.

Sarojini Naidu –

An outstanding political activist was Sarojini Naidu. She was a key figure in the Indian independence movement that opposed the British Raj. Sarojini Naidu fought alongside other liberation fighters against the British.
She has also had some great achievements like this:

• Because of her poetry and the use of colour, imagery, and lyrics, Sarojini Naidu is called “ The Nightingale of India.”
• She also titles “ Bharat Kokila by Gandhi Ji.
• She was the first Indian woman appointed as president of the Indian National Congress.
• After Independence, Naidu became the Governor of India.
• The Quit India Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement have greatly benefited from Sarojini Naidu’s services.

Conclusion :

These women represent but a small portion of the numerous exceptional women in India. These women, along with countless others, have left an enduring mark on Indian history and continue to motivate future generations with their bravery, wit, and persistence.

Breaking Down Barriers to Girls’ Education

Introduction :-

All girls and young women have a human right to access high-quality education.
Based on data, the global community committed in 2015 to delivering high-quality education to every kid by 2030.

Every day, girls are facing barriers to education due to poverty, child marriage and gender-based violence, cultural norms and practices, and poor infrastructure.

The education and development of the girl child and their education can be improved by providing educational infrastructure and quality of education, transportation facilities, availability of basic facilities, scholarships and various financial assistance.

1.Identifying The Barriers:

Girls’ education is very important for the development of our society. Every educated girl not only makes the family educated and financially strong but also has the power to change the mindset of the society.

But due to some narrow social and cultural values, girls do not get as much freedom as they want. When girls want to go out, society or family puts a lot of obstacles on them.

Girls’ education is not just about attracting girls to school, it is about acquiring the knowledge and skills to compete in society, acquiring the social, emotional and life skills that are necessary to adapt to the changing world . Which helps them make decisions about their lives and contribute to their communities.

According to studies, educating girls reduces poverty and violence, prevents child marriage, and creates a healthier, wealthier, and more equitable society. If this is true, then why is society erecting such complex barriers for girls to be able to do this, from social norms to geographical norms? Are they not able to unleash their potential and take significant steps towards ending extreme poverty?

Girls encounter numerous obstacles in their pursuit of an education. Child marriage, poverty, and inadequate school infrastructure are just a few of the obstacles preventing females from attending education and realizing their potential.

There are numerous challenges for girls in the field of education. Several barriers, including inadequate school infrastructure, child marriage, and poverty, hinder females from attending school and realizing their aspirations.

1.1 Social & Cultural Barriers –

When females wish to advocate for themselves in our culture, they have to overcome numerous challenges. Girls face a lot of social pressure to pursue their educational goals.

Girls have to face gender discrimination in our society. Society gives more importance to boys than girls. Boys can freely go out of their house for anything, but girls have to do the main household chores even before going to school like fetching water, cooking, taking care of small children, cleaning and many more.

Child marriage has become a serious challenge towards girls’ education. In many cultures, girls are married at an early age. And after marriage, instead of focusing on education, taking care of the family is considered the ultimate goal.

Girls who marry early are forced to drop out of school and complete fewer years of school than their friends who marry later. According to the report of WHO, more than 41000 girls under the age of 18 are getting married every day.

Girls face early pregnancy and violence from their partners. This affects the health and abilities of their children.
Socio-cultural values ​​influencing girls’ education include lifestyle, shopping habits, education, religion, beliefs, values, demography, social class, sexuality and attitudes.

1.2 Economic Barriers —

Economic barriers are also considered one of the biggest barriers to girls’ education. When a family is facing poverty, basic needs like water, food and basic health come first rather than providing education for their children, especially their girls.

According to statistics, on an average, 55% of women in low and middle income families can achieve education.

Girls are compelled to leave school in order to work and provide financial assistance for their families because of poverty.

Spending money on school is something that many families would rather do for their sons than for their daughters.

1.3 Concerns About Safety and Security:

When it comes to girls’ education, safety is a major worry.
When it comes to girls, parents worry a great deal about their safety before letting them go.
Girls are 2.5 times more likely than males to miss school in FCV (fragility, conflict, and violence) countries.

Girls’ access to education is increasingly being hampered by a lack of safe transportation options and travel-related safety concerns.

Parents frequently dissuade girls from traveling large distances for school because they are worried about their safety.

The most recent statistics shows that 246 million children suffer violence in and around schools annually, and around 60 million girls are sexually raped while traveling to or from school.

1.4. Lack Of Infrastructure :-

Lack of necessary infrastructure, shortage of teachers and low quality education are causing girls to drop out of school.
Facilities like water, toilet, cleanliness, hygiene are the basic things which a girl needs the most.
Due to lack of all these essential things, girls shy away from going to school or are forced to leave school and their education.

2.Empowering Solutions

2.1 Investing In School Infrastructure And Resources –

The most crucial elements of school infrastructure include raising the standard of instruction for female students, enhancing the building’s infrastructure, hiring certified instructors, and providing classrooms, playgrounds, libraries, restrooms, and drinking water.
Effective infrastructure raises student performance, lowers school dropout rates, and improves education overall. Girls have the right to clean toilets, sanitary facilities, menstrual protection items etc. By providing all these facilities, the proportion of girls receiving education can be improved.

2.2 Providing Scholarships And Financial Aid –

Poverty is a serious concern for girls’ education. Girls’ chances of attending school can be increased by providing adequate financial facilities and educational expenditure.
Some other solutions include providing financial assistance, such as scholarship or cash transfer programs, reducing or eliminating school fees, etc.
The targeted poverty alleviation initiative will help families who struggle to afford school fees, uniforms and other educational expenses to send their girls to school.

2.3 Enforcement Of Laws For Girls’ Child Safety –

According to UNICEF report , 80% of child marriages can fall down if higher education is provided to girls . Often, early marriage results in untimely end of girls’ education. By implementing the govt has secured early marriage of children.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development also implemented various special laws for the protection of women like-

• Domestic violence Act ,2005,
• Child Marriage Act 2006 ,
• Dowry provision Act, 1961,
• Indecent Representation of Women ( Prohibition) Act, 1986,
• The commission for protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and
• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act ,2012. etc .

2.4 Promoting STEM Education And Career Opportunities –

The barriers to girls’ education can be lifted with the support of government initiatives pertaining to STEM education and girls’ education.
STEM is an acronym for Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Engineering. It has the capacity to dismantle the societal barriers and challenges that the majority of females deal with on a daily basis.
Providing opportunities for girls to explore and excel in STEM subjects will help them become confident and understand their potential and develop strong self-belief.
IBM has taken the initiative to provide this benefit to girls. Through scholarships, career counseling and creating learning experiences.
It provides some opportunities and skills, so that girls can better themselves:-

• Arranging talks or seminars with successful women.
• It offers a workshop on Biological Sciences to girl students at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
• It offers scholarships worth $18600 to 284 girls and 147 boys.
• They provide interactive learning for teachers.
• Provide research based on experimental studies.
• Promote careers based on STEM subjects.
• It provides career awareness, gender awareness and self-awareness programs especially for girls. etc.
• Arranging interaction or seminars with successful women .
• It provides girls students a workshop on biological science at Indian Institute of Science , Bangalor
• It provides $ 18600 scholarships to 284 girls and 147 boys.
• They provide interactive learning for teachers .
• Provide research based on experimental studies .
• Boost career based on STEM subjects.
• It provides career awareness , gender awareness and self-awareness programs, especially for girls . etc.

The govt has also taken the initiative and brought law to improve girl’s education like:-

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme .
• Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalaya scheme .
• Sukanya Samridhi Yojna
• National Means -Cum- Merit Scholarship Scheme . Etc.

Equal Opportunities For Education For The Underprivileged

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution emphasizes equality of status and opportunity. Equal opportunities for education for the underprivileged enable them to use education as a lever for the improvement of their socio-economic condition. For these children to break free from the shackles of poverty, education is very important.

Kothari Commission makes the following observation about the importance of equality in education and educational opportunities:

•  It is essential for the establishment of an equal society.

• It is needed for the success of democracy.

•  It is needed to ensure the social and economic development of our country.

• Identifying talents is essential in various fields.

•  It is needed to develop human resources and to meet the manpower needs of our country. 

•  It is crucial in promoting social justice.

•  It is necessary to minimize the educational gap between the privileged and the underprivileged.

By providing literacy and skills, they hope to enable children to gain employment and bring financial relief to their families. The goal of education is to bring equality and give all people the opportunity to succeed.

But our country’s changing socio-economic conditions make this a distant dream. To grow as an individual and a nation, excellent skills and knowledge are essential.

Nelson Mandela has rightly said:

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”.

The present education system, however, has not led to the development of the country as a whole. Merely pursuing a graduate degree won’t open up job opportunities as a postgraduate degree would do. The underprivileged who lack resources are often left out in this race and are unable to pursue their desired goals.