Mayaa SH On Winning The International Certificate For Outstanding Contribution In Fields Of “Beti Bachao Beti Padao, Girl’s Education, Women Empowerment and Mission Shakti” On The International Day Of Girl Child.
Mayaa SH, a prominent author, activist, and advocate for gender equality, champions the empowerment of women and girls, encapsulated by her declaration, “Every Girl In The Country is My Daughter.” This statement reflects her belief in collective guardianship and responsibility for women across India, emphasizing the need to nurture and protect young women from discrimination, violence, and socio-economic barriers. Her advocacy aligns with broader societal values recognizing the significance of gender equality and women’s empowerment for sustainable development and peace.
Mayaa SH has won several awards at the International, National and State Level. As she bags yet another feather to her vast array of accomplishments for Certificate Of Appreciation For Outstanding Contribution In Fields Of Beti Bachao Beti Padao, Girl’s Education, Women Empowerment and Mission Shakti: International Day Of Girl Child, International Day of the Girl 2025 is “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis”. Observed annually on 11 October, International Day of the Girl is a key global moment on which to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership. It is a day that belongs to everyone who cares about girls and their rights. On this day, we come together to recognize and advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights. This year’s theme, as shaped by girl-led organizations and networks, is “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis.” Why girls’ rights matter now more than ever? Being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go or who you can become. But right now, that’s the reality for millions of girls across the world. Too many are being left behind – confronted by extreme challenges that deny girls their rights, restrict their choices and limit their futures. Despite the progress made in adolescent girls’ lives over the past thirty years, their rights are still being violated in places all over the world. Crisis, conflict and displacement all increase the risk of child marriage, sexual violence and maternal mortality for girls. In the last 20 years, self-harm has been a leading cause of death among adolescent girls. Yet change is within reach. There are proven solutions for accelerating progress towards a future in which every girl has the healthcare, education, skills, safety and opportunities she needs to succeed. Investing in girls is one of the smartest actions we can take, with high returns for girls, their communities and entire economies. The girl I am, the change I lead. This year’s theme calls for recognition of girls’ leadership in the face of multiple crises. All over the world, girls are stepping up to meet today’s biggest challenges. They’re organizing in their communities, fighting for climate justice and demanding an end to violence. Girls are asking to be seen not only for the challenges they face, but for who they are and the solutions they bring. Yet, too often their voices go unheard, their actions ignored, their needs and rights pushed aside. As we mark thirty years since the Beijing Declaration – the world’s blueprint for gender equality – International Day of the Girl is a rallying cry to see girls for their limitless potential.
The theme for the 2025 International Day of the Girl is “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis.” This theme, developed through consultations with girls’ organizations, UN partners, and girls themselves, emphasizes the crucial role girls play in addressing global challenges and highlights their leadership in times of crisis. The day, observed annually on October 11th, celebrates girls’ achievements, recognizes the unique challenges they face, and advocates for their rights and empowerment.
Mayaa SH’s perspective on girls is deeply intertwined with her advocacy for women’s empowerment and gender equality. She stresses the importance of recognizing and nurturing the potential of daughters as vital contributors to society. She believes that empowering daughters through education is crucial for their development and societal contribution, aligning with global movements advocating for girls’ education as a fundamental right. Educated women, in her view, can drive economic growth, improve health outcomes, and foster more equitable societies.
Mayaa SH challenges traditional gender roles that often limit girls’ aspirations, advocating for a shift in societal attitudes that view daughters as individuals with their own dreams and ambitions, not merely as future wives or caretakers. This resonates with contemporary discussions about dismantling patriarchal norms and valuing women’s contributions beyond domestic spheres. She encourages daughters to challenge stereotypes, promoting personal fulfillment and resilience against challenges like gender-based violence and economic dependence.
Her advocacy extends to mental health awareness, recognizing that societal pressures can significantly affect young women’s self-esteem and identity formation. This focus reflects a broader societal acknowledgment of the need to support mental health initiatives, particularly among young women. Mayaa SH also calls for systemic change to ensure gender equality at all levels of society, aligning with international frameworks like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which underscores gender equality as essential for sustainable development.
Mayaa SH emphasizes empowerment through self-reliance, education, and the ability to make independent life choices. She believes true empowerment enables girls to perceive themselves as powerful individuals capable of achieving their goals, challenging traditional gender roles, and making their own life decisions irrespective of societal definitions. She also advocates for increased representation of women in political spheres, believing their voices are crucial in decision-making processes. Addressing violence against women is another significant aspect of her work, as she highlights how it restricts women’s ability to participate fully in society. Her comprehensive approach to women’s empowerment addresses various sectors such as healthcare, education, and economic stability, aiming for stronger families and communities.
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, was established by the United Nations to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face globally. The day aims to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights, focusing on areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination, violence, and forced child marriage. The theme for 2025 is “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis,” highlighting girls’ roles as leaders and change-makers in addressing global challenges. Despite strides in education, health, and rights, many inequalities persist, particularly for marginalized girls. Organizations like UNICEF, UN Women, and Plan International continue to advocate for greater investment and empowerment to ensure every girl can thrive.
In summary, Mayaa SH’s perspective on protecting girl child reflects broader societal values by advocating for their empowerment through education, challenging traditional gender roles, promoting mental health awareness, and calling for systemic changes towards gender equality. Her views resonate with contemporary movements aimed at fostering inclusive societies where every individual can realize their full potential. Mayaa SH’s declaration that “Every Girl In The Country Is My Daughter” serves as a reminder that “There is a rallying cry for collective responsibility towards nurturing and empowering girls and women across India. It invites everyone to participate actively in creating an inclusive society where gender equality prevails. Ultimately, advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls is seen as critical to building a safer, more prosperous, inclusive world and creating lasting solutions to global challenges.” The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development envisages a world where every girl is able to live up to her full potential, and equality is shown to bring lasting change and improvements for all.
About The Author
Mayaa SH is a prominent figure in the realm of women’s empowerment, recognized for her extensive contributions as an author, activist, and an avid advocate for gender equality. Her work spans various platforms, including literature, public speaking, and social activism, making her a multifaceted champion for women’s rights. Mayaa SH emphasizes the importance of empowering daughters through self-reliance, education, and the ability to make independent life choices. She advocates for a transformative approach where women are encouraged to take control of their lives and decisions, free from societal constraints. According to her, true empowerment begins with enabling girls to perceive themselves as powerful individuals capable of achieving their goals. In her writings and speeches, Mayaa SH articulates that empowerment is not merely about providing opportunities but also about fostering a mindset that encourages young women to challenge traditional gender roles. She believes that if a woman cannot be empowered to make her own life decisions, irrespective of societal definitions of right and wrong, then true transformation has not occurred. This perspective underscores the necessity for daughters to develop confidence in their abilities and assert their rights in all aspects of life. Mayaa SH has also highlighted on the significance of education as a fundamental tool for empowerment. She asserts that equipping girls with knowledge enables them to navigate societal challenges effectively and positions them as leaders in their communities. By promoting educational initiatives and advocating for women’s rights, she aims to inspire the next generation of girls to participate actively in social and economic decision-making processes. Furthermore, she has stressed on the importance of balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibilities. Mayaa SH notes that strong women prioritize both their careers and family life, demonstrating that it is possible to excel in multiple facets without compromising one’s identity or values. This holistic approach serves as a roadmap for daughters aspiring to lead fulfilling lives while contributing positively to society. Ultimately, Mayaa SH’s vision for empowering daughters revolves around instilling self-belief, encouraging independence, and fostering an environment where they can thrive without fear or limitation. She advocates for increased representation of women in political spheres. Mayaa believes that women’s voices must be heard in decision-making processes at all levels of governance. This is crucial not only for achieving gender equality but also for ensuring that policies reflect the needs and perspectives of women. A significant aspect of Mayaa’s work involves addressing violence against women. She highlights how violence restricts women’s ability to participate fully in society and achieve their potential. By raising awareness about this issue, she aims to foster environments where women can live free from fear and discrimination. Mayaa advocates for comprehensive approaches to women’s empowerment that address various sectors such as healthcare, education, and economic stability. She believes that empowering women holistically will lead to stronger families and communities. Her writings often explore themes related to feminism, gender equality, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Through her literature, she seeks to inspire readers to challenge societal norms and advocate for their rights. As a public figure at various forums, Mayaa shares her insights on the importance of gender equality and the role of women in societal development. Her speeches resonate with audiences by combining personal anecdotes with broader social issues. Beyond India, Mayaa’s work has reached international audiences, inspiring movements aimed at improving the status of women worldwide. Her approach combines cultural sensitivity with practical solutions tailored to diverse communities. In summary, Mayaa SH is a known name in women’s empowerment due to her multifaceted approach that encompasses advocacy through education, political participation, addressing violence against women, holistic initiatives, literary contributions, public speaking engagements, recognition through awards, and her global influence on gender equality movements.
