National Girl Child Day 2025: Important Facts and NGOs Working for them!
National Girl Child Day on January 24th celebrates the rights and potential of girls while highlighting the challenges they face in India. A call for empowerment.
National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24, serves as a vital reminder of the need to protect, nurture, and empower girls across India. Established by the Government of India in 2008, the day focuses on raising awareness about the discrimination faced by girls and addressing issues that hinder their growth, including child marriage, gender-based violence, and limited access to education and healthcare. Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, launched in 2015, have been instrumental in reversing the declining child sex ratio and creating opportunities for girls through improved education, healthcare, and financial security schemes such as the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. Despite progress, persistent challenges make this observance crucial for further change.
Statistics paint a concerning picture of the struggles faced by girl children in India. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported an 8.7% rise in crimes against children from 2021 to 2022, with 162,449 cases, of which 45.7% were kidnappings and abductions, and 39.7% involved sexual offences under the POCSO Act. UNICEF data highlights that one in ten girls globally under the age of 20 experiences forced sexual acts, many of which remain unreported. Child marriage remains a concern, with 1.5 million underage girls married annually despite a decline in overall prevalence. As of 2011, India’s girl child population was approximately 79 million, accounting for 48.5% of the total child population, though the child sex ratio remains concerning, dropping from 983 females per 1,000 males in 1961 to 918 in 2011.
On a positive note, female education has seen notable progress. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, women constituted 48% of total enrollment in higher education, with states like Kerala, Telangana, Assam, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh surpassing male enrollment rates. Tamil Nadu led with a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 49.3% in 2020-21, reflecting increased access and participation in education for girls. Additionally, the sex ratio at birth has shown improvement, rising from 899 females per 1,000 males in 2011 to 929 in 2021.
While the government plays a pivotal role, numerous NGOs, both governmental and non-governmental, are working tirelessly to ensure the safety, education, and empowerment of girl children. These organisations provide resources, raise awareness, and implement grassroots initiatives to combat child marriage, abuse, and discrimination while providing emotional support. Let’s highlight a few such NGOs that are making a significant impact.
Smile Foundation supports over 750,000 children and families every year through education, healthcare, and livelihood initiatives across 25 states. Their efforts directly benefit girls by ensuring access to quality education and healthcare through programs like Mission Education and Smile on Wheels. This NGO is also committed to empowering girls by providing resources that enhance their health and education. With a network that spans across India, Smile Foundation works tirelessly to ensure that girls have the opportunity to thrive.
Where: 161 B/4, 3rd Floor, Gulmohar House, Yusuf Sarai Community Centre, New Delhi – 110049
Nanhi Kali is an NGO focused on providing education to underprivileged girls across India. Since 1996, it has supported over 500,000 girls by sponsoring 10 years of schooling, ensuring that they not only have the chance to attend school but also the resources to excel. The program reaches girls in both urban slums and rural villages, helping them break free from the cycle of poverty. By focusing on education, Nanhi Kali is empowering girls to build brighter futures for themselves.
Where: K. C. Mahindra Education Trust, Cecil Court, Near Regal Cinema, Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, Mumbai 400001
CRY, founded in 1979, is one of India's leading NGOs advocating for children's rights, including the rights of girls. Focusing on health, education, and protection from child labour and early marriages, CRY reaches over 3 million children annually. The organisation works with local communities to create an environment where girls can access education, be safe from violence, and grow up with equal opportunities.
Care India has been working in India for over 68 years to empower girls and women, particularly those from marginalised communities. Their programs focus on education, healthcare, and economic independence, directly addressing the challenges faced by girls. Care India’s initiatives ensure that girls have access to education and the resources needed to thrive while also working to combat issues like early marriage and gender-based violence.
Where: 22, Guru Nanak Vihar, Chander Vihar, Nangloi, New Delhi-110041
Educate Girls is a nonprofit organisation working to improve girls' education in rural India. The organisation focuses on mobilising communities, local youth volunteers, and government schools to ensure that girls, especially those from underserved areas, are enrolled in schools and receive quality education. Their efforts directly impact thousands of girls, helping them break out of the cycle of poverty and build a better future.
Where: C103/C104, 1st Floor, Remi Bizcourt, Shah Industrial Estate, Off Veera Desai Road, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053, Maharashtra
Contact: +91-22 48932226
6. Guria India
Guria India is dedicated to combating human trafficking and sexual violence against women, including girls. The organization focuses on rescue operations, providing legal aid, and supporting victims through the legal process. Guria India also offers counselling and financial assistance to survivors. Their work empowers girls by helping them regain their rights and rebuild their lives after trauma.
PCVC provides crucial support for victims of domestic violence, including girls. Offering crisis management, legal advocacy, and access to a national domestic violence hotline, PCVC helps survivors navigate their legal rights and gain the necessary support to rebuild their lives. Through its efforts, the organisation empowers girls and women to stand up against violence and abuse.
Where: 13th Main Rd, Bharathi Colony, Ranganathan Garden, Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600040
Prerana focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of human trafficking victims, including young girls. The organization works with governments to implement anti-trafficking policies and offers legal assistance and psychological counselling to survivors. Through their efforts, Prerana helps girls regain their dignity and pursue a future free from exploitation.
The Prajnya Trust is committed to preventing gender-based violence and supporting victims through legal assistance and counseling. The organization conducts workshops to raise awareness, advocates for the rights of girls, and works towards empowering them with the knowledge and resources needed to escape violence and discrimination.
Where: 8/9A, Raghavan Colony, Kodambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600024
The Dream Girl Foundation works to provide underprivileged girls with education, healthcare, and other essential services. Established in 2003, the foundation’s work impacts many girls who would otherwise miss out on opportunities for a better life. Through education and community support, Dream Girl Foundation helps girls overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
Where: 99H, B-Block, Surya Vihar, Sector-9 Gurgaon, Haryana-122001 India
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