While India does try and present itself to the world as becoming a modernized society that values freedom, democracy and human rights for all the young girls of India are still suffering. In this article I will give a brief overview of some of the problems that young girls in India are facing and the treatment of girls in Indian society.

Before birth:

Even before birth young girls in India face discrimination and in some cases the fetus is aborted just because the child may be female. Female infanticide is a common crime and has cause global outrage. Due to this the Indian government has tried it’s best to bring about new laws however this has not stopped this practice.

Most people make inaccurate assumptions that this practice is common in rural areas it is the same case in the richer areas too. Some surveys have found that most of the people who carry out this disgusting act are well educated and from rich backgrounds. So what is the reason for doing this? To save money.

Girls are seen as a burden by some people and therefore boys are given preference. Girls will also get married and move to their husbands home but boys will stay with the parents and so can look after their parents when they are old.

In rural areas too this practice of aborting the child if it is thought to be female is carried out. The same reason applies, girls are a burden and require too much money to bring them up.

The rich can afford good technology and pay for better doctors and in many poorer areas people may not have the same choice.

Once they are born:

If a female child is born in some families she is not greeted with love and joy but instead women wailing. The birth of a female child is seen as a disappointment or in some cases as a punishment for previous sins.

If a male child is born he will be greeted with much joy and pomp by relatives and elders.

While young girls are growing up:

Whilst girls are growing up they will face a number of biases that is difficult for them to overcame. They are second in line when it comes to getting the best food, second in line when it comes to health care and second in line when it comes to education.

Many parents do not deem it necessary as educating a female child and consider it as a waste of money. If they young girl has older or younger brothers they will always get first preference over her, even if she is more intelligent then they are they will be the one’s to get a chance to go to school and make something of themselves.

The good news is that there are many organizations who are coming to the aid of such girls. They talk to the parents and discuss with them the importance of educating both children. Another problem however is not so easy to deal with as it is a social taboo in India.

A recent survey carried out in India suggested that up to two thirds of young Indian girls face some kind of abuse, be it psychological, physical or even sexual. Most of this abuse happens in the home.

It’s not easy discussing sex and sexual abuse in India especially if it is happening at home. Many of the victims of this abuse will not be able to talk about this abuse to anyone and in some cases may commit suicide.

While it is not fair to say that all Indians agree with this kind of behavior it is necessary that the Indian society should wake up and see what is happening in their country.