Ghar Ki Pehchan-Beti Ke Naam

summary

Innovation : To end gender discrimination and provide equal status to girls and boys

Duration : Throughout the year

Location : Across the District of Tarn Taran, Punjab

Key Stakeholders : District Administration,Frontline workers, (ASHA/ Anganwadi,worker), Block Administration,Gram Panchayat Members, Girls, Families

Brief Description

Against the background of a highly patriarchal society, an initiative towards ending gender discrimination was taken up in the District of Tarn Taran. Each house is known by the name of a male family member that is reflected in the form of a name plate at their house. Defying this social norm, the District Administration went on a drive called “Ghar Ki Pehchaan Beti ke Naam”, by putting up name plates in the name of the girl and woman of the family outside the homes. Thousands of name plates were put up in various villages across the district through community involvement. People took great pride in installing name plates, in the name of their daughters, daughterin-law and wives. This drive led to the women and girls feeling a sense of respect and belonging in society as well as instilled in them a sense of pride/confidence in male dominated society. This challenged age old mindsets of treating men as the head of a family. In a society that considers girls as inferior than their male counterparts, this initiative openly aimed at giving an equal status to girls and women. This initiative gained huge impetus in the District and was acknowledged by the local community.

Factors Contributing to Success

One of the highlights of this initiative was the initial low expectation and the extent to which the community came forward and involved themselves in this drive. Each one motivated the other to follow in the same footsteps. Members from the Panchayat, Block and District level encouraged people to value their daughters, mothers, wives, daughter-in-laws and sisters. The name plates were symbolic of the respect that men in the district showcased towards women and girls. Another important factor in the success of this initiative was how the men is beginning to act as catalyst of change in challenging traditional mindsets.

Outcome, Benefits & Impact

To ensure that the enthusiasm of these drive sustains over a longer period of time, it is pertinent that the new born Girl Child’s name be engraved on the name plates outside the houses. The role of frontline workers in this drive is of prime importance, as they are the first points of contact that provide information about newly born babies and mothers at the grassroot level.

Future Prospects

To ensure that the enthusiasm of these drive sustains over a longer period of time, it is pertinent that the new born Girl Child’s name be engraved on the name plates outside the houses. The role of frontline workers in this drive is of prime importance, as they are the first points of contact that provide information about newly born babies and mothers at the grassroot level.

Source: Innovations under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao