Dear Editor,
It is an irony that while female deities are worshiped, women are often subjugated. This reveals the fact that a healthy male-female ratio is a social need. It is shocking that the educated and affluent often resort to sex-selective abortions in larger numbers. The issue is not just about mere numbers, but also human values. It is reported that one of the root causes for the evil practice of female foeticide is the dowry system. Inspite of attempts being made by the media and the government, to highlight the negative impact of pre-natal sex identification and selective abortion, the practice continues.
The inability of the education system in doing away with the marked preference for a male child is sad. It is to be kept in mind that women are equally competitive in all spheres. All talks about woman empowerment will be rendered hollow if girls are killed before they enter the world. Monetary incentives and social benefits can make a girl child an asset to the family.
Preeti Sharma
Sunderbani