Punjab’s ‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ Campaign Highlights Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Punjab’s ‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ Initiative Gains National Recognition for Promoting Gender Equality
Chandigarh, January 23, 2025 – Punjab is making significant strides in the fight for gender equality and the empowerment of girls. The state has recently garnered national recognition for its efforts to improve the gender ratio, with the ‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ campaign in Faridkot particularly earning accolades. The campaign, which challenges traditional patriarchal norms, has been celebrated by Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi.
National Recognition for Gender Equality Efforts
The recognition came through Dr. Baljit Kaur, Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development in Punjab, who emphasized the success of the state’s gender equality initiatives under the national ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme. The efforts have led to remarkable improvements in the gender ratio at birth across the state.
According to Dr. Baljit Kaur, the national gender ratio at birth has risen from 918 girls per 1,000 boys in 2014-2015 to 930 girls per 1,000 boys in 2023-2024. In Punjab, the ratio of girls’ births has similarly improved from 75.51% to 78%, a promising increase attributed to the state’s targeted gender equality programs.
Key Achievements Under Punjab’s Initiatives
A standout achievement of the Punjab government’s initiatives is the rise in institutional deliveries, which have skyrocketed from 61% to an impressive 97.3%. This statistic highlights the state’s successful efforts to encourage safe childbirth and improve healthcare access, particularly for girls.
Dr. Kaur credits Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann‘s leadership in driving these gender-balanced reforms, ensuring that the birth of girls is celebrated rather than seen as a burden. The Punjab government has been working tirelessly to promote the birth of girls and create a more gender-inclusive society through special initiatives and programs.
‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ – Challenging Patriarchy
A key milestone in these efforts is the ‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ initiative, spearheaded by the Faridkot district. This unique campaign has brought about a cultural shift in the community by celebrating the birth of girls through an age-old but redefined tradition known as the “Shreenh Rasam.” Traditionally reserved for boys, the Shreenh Rasam involves placing neem or shreenh tree leaves at the entrance of homes to mark a significant event, now extended to honor the birth of girls.
The campaign also celebrates the birth of newborn girls by preserving their footprints as cherished memories, an act that symbolizes the importance of girls in society. These efforts aim to foster a positive perception of girls from the moment they are born.
Celebrating Newborn Girls with Traditional Festivities
As part of the celebrations, villagers organize various traditional events, including distributing sweets, performing Giddha (a traditional dance), and singing celebratory songs. Additionally, the families of newborn girls are presented with practical gifts such as baby blankets and grooming kits, which provide both emotional and material support to the parents.
Furthermore, the laminated imprints of the girls’ footprints are given to the parents, symbolizing a lasting reminder of the joy and significance of their daughters’ birth. This initiative not only acknowledges the importance of girls but also empowers communities to shift their mindset towards gender equality.
Punjab’s Commitment to Gender Equality
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the national recognition of Punjab’s initiatives is a reflection of the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering girls and shifting societal perceptions. The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme has provided the foundation for the state’s focus on creating an inclusive society where girls are given equal opportunities to thrive.
In addition to the ‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ campaign, the Punjab government has introduced several other initiatives to further support women and children. One of these includes free driving classes for 120 girls in Hoshiarpur, designed to enhance self-confidence and foster economic independence. Such programs are breaking gender stereotypes, ensuring that women gain more control over their lives and futures.
Changing Societal Attitudes
Dr. Kaur urged society to actively participate in these initiatives to achieve a balanced gender ratio and eliminate gender-based discrimination. The government’s programs not only focus on the empowerment of girls but also aim to create a cultural shift in how girls and women are perceived in the community.
The government’s continued work under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ program aims to not only change attitudes but also prevent gender-based discrimination that has long been a barrier to the social and economic progress of girls. Dr. Kaur highlighted that these efforts were not just about policy but about fostering a collective mindset change in Punjab.
Conclusion
The ‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ initiative has garnered national attention and praise for its innovative approach to promoting gender equality. Punjab’s continuous efforts to improve the gender ratio and challenge societal norms are paving the way for a more inclusive society. With government support and active participation from the community, the state is well on its way to ensuring that every girl is valued, empowered, and given equal opportunities to succeed.