How to Change the World for Girls
Dale Hanson Bourke
“ It is a daughter ,” the nurse said , sounding ashamed as she presented the newborn baby to the father , Sunil Jaglan , and his family . The story , told in a recent New York Times article is a glimpse into how girls are viewed in much of the world . In the Indian state of Haryana , where the family lives , “ No one wanted girls ,” said Jaglan . This view led to prenatal gender testing and a high number of abortions of girls , a practice that was illegal but all too common .
But Jaglan , the father of two daughters , has fought to make “ It is a daughter ” a positive message , including launching a nationwide movement to take selfies with daughters , a trend that was adopted by movie and sports stars on social media . Health officials say his efforts have saved the lives of hundreds of girls . being a “ girl dad ” is a proud slogan , it ’ s hard to imagine the level of discrimination girls face in other parts of the world . “ No matter where you are born , your life will be harder if you are born a girl . If you are born in a poor country or district , it will be even harder ,” according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation .
Globally , girls fall behind in health care , education , legal protection , and economic opportunities . They are less likely to receive disease-protecting vaccines , to attend school , to be protected from violence , and to be able to support themselves and their families than boys and men . In countries like India , China , Vietnam , and others , the availability of prenatal testing has led to a gender imbalance as expectant parents choose to abort girls .
For many of us , living in a country where
Edgar Sandoval , president of World Vision , 11