Miranda House initiates drive to highlight issues faced by girls

NEW DELHI: To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, on October 11, Delhi University’s Miranda House has launched a year-long campaign, which includes, among other activities, a peer-mentoring system with marginalised children and preparing installations and stand-up acts on issues concerning the girl child.

The college, in collaboration with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will also be taking part in a series of activities revolving around this year’s theme of recognising and celebrating the achievements “by, with and for girls” since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action nearly 25 years ago. The Declaration is considered a blueprint for advancing women’s rights.

Ankita Kundu, vice president of the Women’s Development Cell and a second-year undergraduate student at Miranda House, said, “We have started talking to students about this year’s theme, ‘Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable’, and have invited essay contributions, stand-up gigs, movies, and posters on the issue. The selected works will be displayed at an event scheduled for October 22 .”

Acting principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda said,“the focus during the peer-mentoring sessions would be on higher education, health and hygiene, busting myths and taboos, and gender stereotypes,” she said.

Apart from the competitions, the college also plans to present a report on the status of the girl child in India prepared by students and civil society members on October 22. Huma Masood, UNESCO’S programme officer for gender and education, said, “We have partnered with Miranda House because it is a girl’s institution with a rich history. Many of its students have become successful in their lives. This shows how education can change lives.”