M A I L B A G

We must put an end to gender bias

This has reference to Dr Shakuntala Lavasa’s article “Daughters have right to live: Save them from the unwanted syndrome” (Nov 15). In India, girls face discrimination from the moment they are born. People misuse the ultra-sound technology to identify the sex of the foetus and kill it before birth.

As a result, the male-female ratio has become skewed. Certainly, parents are responsible for this heinous and inhuman practice. Even the spread of education has not been of any help. Also legal measures have proved quite ineffective as the problem is socially deep-rooted.

To stop female foeticide, we must first empower women through education and modern skills. One can hope that the educated women will not kill their daughters. Also society will have to change its outdated mindset, giving preference to male child. In addition, social and religious organisations will have to work in unison to combat the evil of female foeticide in the country. The government should also deal illegal sex determination clinics with a heavy hand.

MOHAN SINGH THAKUR,

Chandigarh

II

Punjab and Haryana, the two prosperous states, have been front-runners in killing the girl child in the womb. I agree with the writer’s view. This is a threat to the social and moral fabric of society.

The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. Due to poverty and ignorance, parents in remote villages don’t allow their daughters to go to school and get educated. In this highly competitive world, only properly trained persons can get jobs. Clearly, education holds the key to woman’s empowerment.

DASUYA PARTAP SINGH,

Kainthan

III

Doctors who help parents in killing the female foetus should be hauled over the coals. The writer struck the right chord when she reminded the perpetrators of this heinous crime that gods reside where women are revered. One should know that demons shall rule over the house where parents kill their daughters before they are born.

Dowry is the root cause of this malaise and needs to be eradicated through stringent laws. Both doctors and parents who indulge in female foeticide should be considered as murderers and booked under 
Section 302 IPC.

K.L. JAITLEY,

Dhara (Kullu)

IV

Why a woman kills the foetus is intriguing and needs an in-depth study. Perhaps, external pressure compels her to strangulate her daughter in the womb. Clearly, parents prefer sons to daughters to fulfill their mundane needs like inheriting the family name and property or performing last rites. But such reasons are secondary.

A girl child should be provided a congenial atmosphere to take birth, grow and breathe freely. The day the world becomes a safer place for girls and women to move freely, without fear and anxiety, people will heartily welcome her arrival in the world. This may seem a tall order but is not impossible, given the will. Concerted efforts are necessary to help girls live with honour and dignity.

TARSEM S. BUMRAH,

Batala