Then: “We are not happy with the birth of a baby girl”
Now: “You only have a baby girl! Why don’t you plan for a boy as well to complete the family?”
Living room conversations may have changed from subtle to blatant, but the preference for a boy remains painfully unwavering.
It is this persistent mindset that makes female infanticide a prevalent issue even today. The intentional killing of newborn girls remains a dark and tragic reality in many parts of India. Despite advancements in gender equality and awareness, this deep-seated issue continues to persist, fueled by a combination of cultural, economic, and social factors.
The Root Cause
A patriarchal society that values a male child over a female child. Sons are seen as carriers of the family name, inheritors of wealth, and providers of old-age security. Daughters, on the other hand, are often viewed as financial liabilities due to the underlying belief that they will eventually marry and make zero contributions to the well-being of their family.
These cultural beliefs have led to the dangerous practice of female infanticide, where newborn girls are abandoned, neglected, or killed. In rural and semi-urban areas, where traditional customs are more rigid, the pressure to have a son can sometimes lead to desperate measures, with families resorting to female infanticide as a form of “control” over their futures.
The Impact
The consequences of female infanticide extend far beyond the individual tragedies. It skews the sex ratio, leading to an imbalance between men and women in certain regions. This demographic disparity creates long-term social issues, such as an increase in gender-based violence and trafficking. Moreover, it perpetuates the cycle of gender inequality, reinforcing the idea that women are less valuable than men.
Intervention
The government has taken steps to address the issue, notably with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act of 1994, which bans sex-selective abortion and mandates the registration of ultrasound clinics. However, the enforcement of such laws remains challenging, and many families still find ways to circumvent them. Furthermore, The Prevention of Female Infanticide Bill, 2019 was introduced to address the inadequacies in existing laws and to focus on a more holistic approach to eliminate the practice by raising awareness, providing stricter punishment, and changing societal attitudes toward the girl child.
Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and grassroots initiatives are also working to raise awareness, educate communities, and empower women. By focusing on gender equality, the value of the girl child, and promoting education for girls, these organizations are striving to change deeply entrenched societal attitudes.
The Road Ahead
Eliminating female infanticide in India requires a multi-faceted approach. Beyond law enforcement, it involves changing mindsets, improving access to healthcare, and creating economic opportunities for women. The media, too, has a significant role in shaping public perception and challenging outdated gender norms. Education is key: when families are educated about the value of daughters, the practice of female infanticide can be reduced.
Ultimately, to end this crisis, India must foster a cultural shift that embraces the equality of women, recognizing that the birth of a girl is just as much a blessing as the birth of a boy. Only then can the silent tragedy of female infanticide be eradicated.
