The reluctant attitude of my husband and the sneers of my in-laws, deep-down I knew what was holding them back. “It is a girl- as my doctor announced”, my eyes saw what my heart didn’t want to- the fading expressions of my mother-in-law.
But I had no control over it, nor do I regret!
I saw my 5-year-old son was lingering on the door as I stepped in the house. He was really excited to meet his new baby sister. He just expected a pleasant change in the atmosphere but all he saw was an air of despair.
I don’t understand. Why do they need a boy? To take forth the family business so the wealth gets accumulated under one roof? Or make a fortune with dowry? Or to just get rid of the responsibilities of having a girl?
If only I could shout at the top of my voice and tell them- Having a girl is not an inherent disadvantage. She is as much deserving as a boy. A boy may turn out to be a chivalrous, fierce and an intense man but women are no less. I have a son and I have a daughter, I am proud to be a mother to the two of them. And before protecting my daughter I have something to say to my son which I think is my responsibility…
Dear Son,
I know you are puzzled out, you want everybody to celebrate but you do not see anyone embracing your little sister. I am unable to answer all your innocent questions right now but I hope 10 years down the line as you read my letter you will know what was stopping me.
We live in a society where a girl-child is not welcomed, you are a BOY and that might be a privilege to some. But remember, you are a human first.You are growing up and with each day you step out of the house you will meet new people,I want you to change their thinking; I want you to support your sister at every stage of life.
Remember there are going to be times when you will be influenced, please do not get swayed. You need to shield your sister from all such condemnations and criticism that the society might pose.
Today it’s your sister, tomorrow it can be a friend, your wife or your daughter. I never want you to be ‘infected’ by the germ of sexism. You should know ‘you are equal to each other’.
Be proud of your sister, she deserves every bit of happiness that you do!
I want this letter to be a gift you never forget and a value you adhere to for the rest of your life. I love you and I love your sister.
Also, never let down any girl in your life. Make them feel safe and loved!
Love
Your mother
My aim is to get justice for a girl-child, though I know the solution to it is educating my son right from now. I want every time a girl child is born, there be no lamenting in the family. The arrival of a girl-child should be as much celebrated as of a boy.
We stay in a society where the happiness of a girl-child is curtailed the minute she is born. Girls are not a blemish but a pure source of happiness, they aren’t weak but way stronger than you can ever think.
Today on the International Girl-child day I want the world to know that...
Having a girl-child is a thing of pride!
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