Akhila Magotra
On this International Day of the Girl Child, the world pauses to reflect on the dreams and aspirations of young girls, not just in India but across the globe. As someone deeply invested in early childhood education here in Jammu and Kashmir, I have witnessed first hand how even at a tender age, girls possess the remarkable ability to dream without constraints. They dream of becoming doctors, engineers, pilots, teachers and even astronauts. But they also dream of a world where they can speak their minds, where they are safe and where they are treated as equals. I am reminded daily of the boundless potential of young girls-children who, even in their earliest years, have a vision for their future that is bright and expansive.
international day of the girl child
In a recent conversation with a group of preschoolers, I asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. With wide eyes and a shy smile, one of the girls told me she wanted to “build a school on the moon” so children could “learn about stars and planets.” I was struck by her vision, so pure and untainted by the limitations society often imposes on girls. One girl, all of five years old, confidently said, “I want to be a doctor ” Another chimed in, “I will build rockets or maybe I will study computers.” These are big dreams for such little minds, yet they reflect a deep and innate sense of possibility-one that we, as a society, must nurture and support. But I was also reminded of the many obstacles that could stand in her way-gender bias and lack of access to quality education.
The future these preschool girls envision is one of boundless possibility, but for girls like them to achieve it, we must take urgent action today. In India, and particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, girls continue to face significant challenges in accessing education and opportunities. Cultural norms, economic hardships and safety concerns often prevent them from realizing their full potential. According to UNICEF, even though there has been progress, the gender gap in education persists and girls are more likely than boys to be pulled out of school, forced into early marriage or expected to stay home and care for younger siblings.
This is where we, as a society, need to step up. It is time to encourage our girls to push boundaries, pursue their dreams and amplify their voices. And there is no better example of this than Sheetal Devi, a para-archer from Jammu and Kashmir who has risen above adversity. Sheetal Devi was born without arms due to phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that causes underdeveloped limbs. She pursued her dreams with sheer willpower and determination. Today, she is an inspiration to young girls, proving that no obstacle is too great when you have the courage to follow your dreams. Sheetal’s journey from the valleys of Jammu to the global stage of the Para Olympics has given hope to many and serves as a beacon for what girls can achieve when given the chance.
For too long, girls have been confined by the expectations and limitations placed upon them. But now, more than ever, it is crucial to encourage girls to break through these boundaries. The stories of young achievers like Sheetal Devi, serve as living proof of what is possible when girls are given the opportunity to chase their dreams. She didn’t just aim for the target; she shot beyond it, showing every girl in J&K and beyond, that nothing is unattainable.
However, it is not enough to tell young girls that they can do anything. We must back those words with action-urgent, persistent and ongoing. Access to quality early childhood education, especially in rural and marginalized areas of Jammu and Kashmir, is the key that unlocks these futures. We need to ensure that every girl, no matter her background, has the chance to dream big and pursue those dreams without obstacles.
The infrastructure is there-Jammu boasts an IIT and Srinagar has the NIT. We have IIMs and AIIMS in both cities. But this must be paired with real empowerment. Girls need role models, safe environments, equal access to education and the freedom to explore their interests from a young age. It’s not just about academic achievements but about fostering the curiosity and courage that will guide them throughout life.
As we celebrate this day, let’s commit to creating a world where girls are empowered to envision a future where they are doctors, engineers, athletes and leaders. Let’s pledge to amplify their voices and stand by them as they strive to push beyond societal limitations. After all, the future that these young girls imagine today is the future that will shape our world tomorrow.
So, when a young girl in a preschool classroom says she wants to be the next great scientist or sportsperson from Jammu and Kashmir, we should not just listen-we should believe her, support her and ensure that nothing stands in her way. The dreams of these girls will lead us all into a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Let’s make sure we’re ready to walk beside them on that journey. After all, who knows, perhaps one day this little preschool girl may really will build that school on the moon!
(The author is an Early Childhood Educationist & Social Entrepreneur)
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