A Sunday of Disparity: Sex Selection, Social Change, and a Call to Action

As a social worker deeply committed to gender equality, Sundays are often dedicated to furthering my understanding of the issues I fight for. This past Sunday was no different. However, the journey I embarked on was a disturbing reminder of the deeply entrenched societal biases against girls, particularly the horrific practice of sex selection.

Unnatural Selection: A Chilling Reality

The day began with me finishing a thought-provoking book, "Unnatural Selection" by Mara Hvistendahl. The book meticulously documents the global phenomenon of sex selection, with a particular focus on China and India. A quote that particularly struck a chord was:

"As she walked into the maternity ward... she saw a cat bound past him 'with a bloody blob dangling from its mouth.' 'What was that thing?'... 'Before long it struck him. Near the bed... lay a fetus of five or six months, soaking in a pool of blood.' A nurse's explanation came out cold, 'Because it was a girl.'"

This chilling account exemplifies the horrific reality of sex selection – the deliberate termination of pregnancies carrying female fetuses. While driven by a warped sense of son preference, the consequences are devastating, creating a skewed sex ratio with a plethora of social problems.

"Matrubhoomi": A Cinematic Reflection of Son Preference

The disturbing echoes of the book resonated further when I watched Shyam Benegal's "Matrubhoomi" (Motherland). The movie depicts a family anxiously awaiting the birth of a child. The elation at the arrival of a baby boy is starkly contrasted with the crushing silence that follows the news of a girl's birth. The symbolic scene of drowning a newborn girl in a pot of milk underscores the societal devaluation of daughters.

Rajasthan: Personal Encounters with a Changing Landscape

Hailing from Rajasthan, a state where the tradition of "Doodh Peeti" (drowning newborn girls in milk) was prevalent until recently, these stories hold a particular significance. During my years as a social worker, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of this practice. However, there have also been glimmers of hope. Increased awareness campaigns and stricter legal measures have contributed to a decline in such practices.

The Need for Greater Attention to Sex Selection

Despite progress, sex selection remains a critical, yet often neglected, issue. While Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) receives significant global attention, sex selection continues in the shadows. This lack of focus allows the practice to persist, robbing countless girls of their chance at life. Organizations like UNICEF and WHO acknowledge the issue, but more concerted efforts are needed.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Fight

My next read, "The Population Bomb" by Paul Ehrlich, seems relevant to the larger conversation around population dynamics and societal pressures. But for now, the lingering effect of this Sunday is a renewed sense of purpose. We cannot afford to be complacent in the fight for gender equality.

Call to Action:

Sex selection is not just an Indian or Chinese problem; it's a global issue demanding our attention. Let's break the silence. Educate ourselves and others. Support organizations working towards gender equality. Together, let's create a world where every child, girl or boy, has the right to life and a future filled with opportunity.