Women in Agriculture

Lesson 9 : Status of Girl Child

Impact of These Discriminatory Practices on Girl Children

Years	Problems faced
Before Birth to 1year	Foeticide and Infanticide Infant mortality Discrimination in breast feeding and infant food Neglect of health (immunization
1 to 11 years (this includes specific problems faced by age groups 1-5 years and 6-11years)	Discrimination in access to food and health care Malnutrition and anemia Health problems like Polio and diarrhea Iodine and Vitamin A and Micro nutrient deficiency Low school enrolment and School drop outs Vulnerable to trafficking, child labour, child marriage Abuse, exploitation and violence Domestic chores Looking after siblings Restriction on mobility and play Discrimination in overall treatment and parental care
11 to 18 years (Adolescents)	Poor health Low literacy level Restriction on mobility and play Frequent illness due to Malnutrition, Aneamia and micro-nutrient deficiency Child Marriage Early Child bearing morbidity and mortality Poor access/ Denial to information and services Early and frequent pregnancy coupled with abortions Marital and domestic violence Dowry Harassment, desertion, polygamy, divorce Child labour, trafficking. STDs and HIV/AIDs Heavy domestic work including commuting long distances to collect fire wood/ drinking water Unpaid and unrecognized work, and drudgery No voice either in Home or society