According to Census 2011, Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Years) in India dropped to 918 girls per 1000 boys from 927 in 2001
According to Census 2011, Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Years) in India declined from 927 girls per 1000 boys in 2001 to 918
Gender-Biased Sex Selection (GBSS) is a critical issue that stems from deep-rooted social, cultural, and economic factors and is facilitated by the misuse of medical technologies. Initially emerging in the northern states of India, the harmful, illegal, and unjust practice has now spread across the country. Understanding why this practice persists is crucial for addressing its harmful effects and implications on society as a whole.
A REFLECTION OF PATRIARCHAL MINDSET
Girls missing at birth and in the 0-6 years age group mainly account for the imbalance in the sex ratios. A strong preference for sons over daughters prevails across various social classes and castes for reasons including the potential of a son to provide old-age support, carry on the family name, add to family income, and perform last rites.
Gender-Biased Sex Selection (GBSS) is a critical issue that stems from deep-rooted social, cultural, and economic factors and is facilitated by the misuse of medical technologies. Initially emerging in the northern states of India, the harmful, illegal, and unjust practice has now spread across the country. Understanding why this practice persists is crucial for addressing its harmful effects and implications on society as a whole.
According to the Sample Registration System Statistical Report 2020, the sex ratio at birth (girls per 1000 boys) for the country was recorded as 907
Between 2013-17, about 4,60,000 girls in India were “MISSING” at birth each year!
A Reflection Of Patriarchal Mindset
Girls missing at birth and in the 0-6 years age group mainly account for the imbalance in the sex ratios. A strong preference for sons over daughters prevails across various social classes and castes for reasons including the potential of a son to provide old-age support, carry on the family name, add to family income, and perform last rites.
Daughters, on the other hand, are seen as liabilities due to the dowry system
and the belief that they will leave the family after marriage.
According to the Sample Registration System Statistical Report 2020, the sex ratio at birth (girls per 1000 boys) for the country was recorded as 907
Between 2013-17, about 4,60,000 girls in India were “MISSING” at birth each year!
907
Girls
Are born for every 1000 boys born in India
Statistical Report 2020
4.6
Lakh
Girls are missing at birth each year in India
State of World Population 2020, UNFPA
Implications of Gender-Biased Sex Selection
Implications of Gender-Biased Sex Selection
- Leads to an overall devaluation of women and girls
- Leads to an increase in practices such as polyandry
- Can lead to bride shortage in regions with a long history of skewed sex ratios; in such regions, women are already being “bought or trafficked” as brides
- Leads to an overall devaluation of women and girls
- Leads to an increase in practices such as polyandry
- Can lead to bride shortage in regions with a long history of skewed sex ratios; in such regions, women are already being “bought or trafficked” as brides
How do we address Gender-Biased Sex Selection?
Preventing gender-biased sex selection require commitment, sustained, and concerted efforts. The journey to address gender-biased sex selection begins with the strict implementation of the PC-PNDT Act. Meanwhile, it is crucial to simultaneously address the underlying factors that lead to son preference and daughter unwantedness.
How do we address Gender-Biased Sex Selection?
Implementation of PC-PNDT
Act
Ensuring rigorous enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act to prevent gender-biased sex selection.
Addressing Root
Causes
Tackling societal factors such as son preference and daughter unwantedness through awareness and policy interventions.
Sustained and Collective
Efforts
Promoting long-term commitment and coordinated actions from government, society, and stakeholders to eliminate gender bias.
Implementation of PC-PNDT
Act
Ensuring rigorous enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act to prevent gender-biased sex selection.
Addressing Root
Causes
Tackling societal factors such as son preference and daughter unwantedness through awareness and policy interventions.
Sustained and Collective
Efforts
Promoting long-term commitment and coordinated actions from government, society, and stakeholders to eliminate gender bias.
Effective implementation of the PC-PNDT Act
Addressing factors that lead to son preference & daughter unwantedness
Effective implementation of the PC-PNDT Act
Addressing factors that lead to sex preference & daughter unwantedness
Effective implementation of the PC-PNDT Act
Addressing factors that lead to son preference & daughter unwantedness