We often hear from various sections of people that gender discrimination is a curse. It hinders development of a state and a nation. We also come across numerous slogans advocating girl education and social justice. However, these slogans and claims remain far removed from reality and genuine commitment.

Gender discrimination or Gender bias continues to be a burning issue in our society. Many still believe that boys are the true successors who carry forward family lineage and generations. Isn't this a grave misconception that prevents us from the realization of spirituality? There is no evidence that supports this myth. However, The holy Quran clearly states that the selection of the child's gender rests solely in the supreme authority of Almighty Allah. Whatever he wills comes into existence.This authentic dogma implies that It is God who grants you either only daughters or only boys or both. So a girl child is never inferior to a boy. She is fully capable of carrying forward your name and inheriting your property. She possesses the same potential to handle responsibilities and achieve success as any boy. Modern research shows that boys and girls have equal average intelligence with no significant overall difference in cognitive ability.
This discriminatory trend is more common in middle-class and lower-middle class people who prioritise boys under the assumption that they will shoulder the responsibilities of the family. Does this mean that girls are a permanent burden? Certainly not because God has bestowed them the same mind,intellect and capacity as He has endowed to boys.
Tragically some people send less intelligent boys to schools while keeping more intelligent girls at home. In this way they destroy a capable mind without any remorse or hesitation. I wonder why we cut the wings of daughters who could soar high and try to infuse energy into boys who fail to make proper use of it. Why don't we understand that prosperity is impossible until we embrace gender equality as a cornerstone of societal welfare? Welfarism is a practical theory that emphasises individual development for the greater good. Discrimination against women is not just unfair but a hindrance in the development and stability of homes , societies and the entire countries.
Another illustration that implies gender discrimination is girl dropouts are not taken seriously. They are not given opportunities to prove their worth .When they leave the school either by compulsion or by circumstances they are often quietly accepted or welcomed .This is systemic injustice and a form of moral degradation.
After upper primary classes girls are usually asked to learn domestic chores which are deemed necessary for their successful married life. They are mentally prepared for marriages and service in in-law households. If they are unable to pass 10th or 12th examination they are teased, ridiculed and denied further opportunities. This harsh approach applies for girls not to boys who may cheat their parents or underperform without facing the same consequences.This callousness represents a social ,ethical and moral decline that we continue to thrive.
Recent data from India shows dropout rates rise sharply at secondary levels (around 8-12% overall, with girls facing additional pressures like domestic work and child marriage), underscoring the urgency.
We must collectively make every effort to stop this inappropriate and unethical practice that undermines social cohesion.
Gender discrimination is not confined to villages only, it thrives in cities as well.
The real question is who is the main culprit behind this discrimination ,the father ,the mother or both.
Surprisingly the answer is both as internalised patriarchal norms affect everyone.
This discrimination doesn't end after marriage. It takes a grim form as soon as a daughter becomes a daughter- in- law. The hypocritical nature of parents becomes evident over time. They wish their own daughter to be treated like a queen by her in-laws , praying for her happiness and comfortable life .However they are often unwilling to accept their daughter- in- law as their daughter. There should have been a cultural norm where daughter-in-laws are treated as daughters.
Moreover salaried women are not given due regard and authority to live and spend independently. They often lack the power to use their salaries freely as it is not considered their right ; instead it is seen as the right of their husbands who can spend it or direct how and where to use it . Why don't women oppose this authoritarianism? The answer is simple: they are conditioned to be obedient and have been advised not to disobey their husbands. This is because severe consequences often described as hell await rebellious women. Yet this hell seems reserved only for women not for men who deny them their rights and deprive them of autonomy.
This deep rooted patriarchal norm is evident in our society where daughter-in-laws come across different treatment as compared to biological daughters. The financial independence for married women is still a dream despite legal recognition of personal earnings as their own property. This is done by using an intimidating tool called divorce. Consequently, women prefer torture over breaking bonds. So,men must ensure financial independence of women without any slight trace of humiliation. It is their property which is earned by them so men have no right to use it without their consent.

What is the Remedy?

There are many measures that can help minimise this unhealthy trend. The awareness program should be organised at panchayat level. For this purpose teachers can play a pivotal role. They can create awareness and motivate communities because they understand how talented and capable girls are. Seminars and speeches at universities and colleges are not sufficient unless there is mass involvement of the local people.
NGOs and religious scholars should be assigned the task of nipping this evil of bud. Surveys should be conducted to identify the root causes of dropouts. The Issuance of Scholarships should be made easier and simpler. Before allotting marriage grants it should be mandatory to clarify and verify why a girl has left the school.

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