Child Sex Ratio (0-6 Years) in India declined from 927 girls per 1000 boys in 2001 to 918 according to Census 2011
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.
907 females per 1000 males (2020)
According to the Sample Registration System Statistical Report 2020, the sex ratio at birth (females per 1000 males) for the country was recorded as 907
460,000 girls were "missing"
Between 2013-17, about 4,60,000 girls in India were “MISSING” at birth each year!
Daughters as Liabilities
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
Leads to an increase in practices such as polyandry
Implications
of
GBSS
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 increase in practices such as polyandry
How do we address Gender-Biased Sex Selection?
Preventing gender-biased sex selection will require commitment, sustained, and concerted efforts. The journey to address gender-biased sex selection will begin 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.
