Drop Out Girls Show Interest In Rejoining Schools

Education is equally important to both Girls and Boys. India has now started all programmes for Women Education. When importance is given to girls and their education, then why get dropped out?

A survey reveals that nearly 52% of girls have been dropped out of schools before they complete their senior secondary education. These girls have come forward and show interest in education, said the study made by Child Rights Group Plan India.

Dropped out students now wish to go back to schools. Well, this is an positive approach made by these students. Some key findings of the study 'Because I Am A Girl' , were released on Tuesday ahead of the International Day for Girl Child. The report has a sample size of 2700 teens across UP, Bihar and Jharkhand.

A member of Plan India, Meena Narula said "The literacy rate or education level of mothers is a strong determining factor in Girls continuing their education. We found that 80% mothers are illiterate, which prevents girls from going back to school".

Poor financial condition and underage marriage are other factors for high dropout rates among girls. Only 35% girls who dropped out in UP schools said they can take their own decisions. Not just these two, as mentioned before are the main reasons for drop outs of such students. In-fact most of the school children in the states have experienced beatings, corporal punishment, teasing and harassment. Less than one-third of boys and girls reported cases of violence and abuse and a lesser percentage of drop out girls reported such issue.

Plan India Executive Director Bhagyashri Dengle said "We started this campaign five years ago. This year's theme is 'life skills and education' as discrimination against girls is prominent n this society. A girl in India faces barriers at every stage of her life".

In order to make a mark of International Day of Girl Child, Plan India and Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will illuminate Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb and Purana Quila and Charminar in Hyderabad with pink lights. DN Dimri, ASI Delhi Circle superintending archeologist said "The ASI's permission to illuminate monuments is not restricted to this occasion. We seek to collaborate with the NGO to celebrate other events as well."

"There is a huge evidence of importance and respect given to women in early history. Discrimination started in the medieval period, which continues till date", he added. However, the ASI's support will spread awareness about promoting girls.

Well, we should appreciate these girls who have come forward in showing their keen interest to study back in schools. Who knows One brave step, might be followed by many others in coming days. What say?