International Woman’s Day is celebrated globally each year on 8th March representing the

everyday achievements made by women whilst highlighting the ever lingering issues such as

gender equality and women’s rights. The international women’s day celebration began in

1909 in the United States after the 1908 Women’s Workers strike in New York. Globally, the day has become a reflection of past struggles

and future changes ever since.

International Women’s Day 2013Celebration at The Cradle, Calicut

2013-International Women’s Day

theme is

“The Gender Agenda-Gaining Momentum”.

Through this platform, The Cradle, Calicut team

would like to bring awareness about a very big

issue related to women, “Female Foeticide”

Female Foeticide

Female foeticide is the act of aborting a foetus because it is a

female.

Statistics

Statistics reveal below facts related to girl child

1 out of every 3 girl’s life is ending at the age of 15 yearsOne third of female infanticide deaths are taking place at the time of birthEvery 6th girl child is dying due to gender discrimination1 out of 10 women is suffering from child abuse in their childhood from their near and dear people only1 out of 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 453% of girls are illiterates in the age group of 5 to 9 years

Causes

Earning Power-Men are usually

main income earners

Potential Pension-Parents

depend on male children to look

after them in their old age. Indian

girls leave parental home.

Dowry-Not affordable by

everyone

Female Foeticide at this alarming rate will lead to

Increasing sexual violence and abuse against

women and female children

Trafficking

Increasing number of child marriages

Increasing maternal deaths due to abortions

and early marriages

Increase in practices like polyandry

Kerala, God’s own country

Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in AsiaAn equable climateA long shoreline with serene beachesTranquil stretches of emerald backwatersLush hill stations and exotic wildlifeWaterfallsSprawling plantations and paddy fieldsAyurvedic health holidaysEnchanting art formsMagical festivalsHistoric and cultural monuments An exotic cuisine... All of which offer you a unique experience

Apart from a great tourist spot, Kerala also stands as an immensely progressive civilization.

The most distinguishing feature of Kerala is the Female/Male sex ratio: 1084 in Kerala against the

national average of 940

Population Development-What Kerala can teach other states?

Kerala is a Female Surplus State!!-1084 females per 1000 males Kerala has lowest infant mortality rateKerala has one of the highest literacy rates (90%) and life expectancy (73 years)This beautiful tiny state has emerged far ahead in human development indicators, leaving behind even the economically advanced states like Gujarat and MaharashtraIt also has the lowest rate of population growth, achieved without coercive sterilization policies of family planning ministry

Power of People Development

Power of People Development

Kerala achieved it despite a sluggish growth in economy – because normally economic growth has been known to curtail population growth.

Sociologists attribute these achievements to Kerala’s:Better healthcareHigh literacy rateBetter standard of living compared to other Indian states. Kerala's human development indices — elimination of poverty, primary level education, and healthcare — are among the best in India.

Kerala's healthcare system has garnered international acclaim, with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) designating Kerala the world's first "baby-friendly state". For example, more than 95% births in Kerala are hospital-delivered.

Lessons from Kerala

Question: What can Kerala teach other states and other developing nations?Answer: People development and women empowerment are the best contraceptives in the world!

There are very few female foeticide (almost negligible) cases seen in Kerala and hence Kerala, as a state has achieved high female to male ratio. Keralites treat both male and female children equally and both have equal rights. Infact, even the ancestral property is divided equally among male and female children.

This, International Women’s Day, The Cradle team is making

an attempt to bring awareness on female foeticide and also

urges other states to follow Kerala’s human development

model for a happy living which in turn will build a happy

nation.

In this context, we are joining hands with IMA, Kerala

Women’s wing and organizing an essay competition on 2013

International Women’s Day theme, “The Gender Agenda-

Gaining Momentum”.

100 best participants will be privileged to join a panel of 10

successful women in Kerala and have a lively discussion on

exploring life as a woman, now and into the future on

Mother’s Day celebration event which is to be held in May

2013 atThe Cradle, Calicut premises.

The two best essays would receive a cash prize of Rs. 15,000

as 1st Prize and Rs. 10,000 as 2nd Prize. The winners will be

announced on 8th March 2013 on the website

www.thecradlecalicut.com and the prizes will be awarded

to the winners on Mother’s Day 2013 celebrations at The

Cradle, Calicut.

Entries close on 05-March-2013. Participants can share theirvaluable views on the theme and send their essays throughthe following ways:

E-mail: contest@thecradlecalicut.comPostal address: Cradle Calicut Maternity Care Pvt. Ltd., NH 17, Bypass Road, Calicut-673014Facebook: facebook.com/cradlecalicut

For more information about the competition, please contact The Cradle, Calicut help desk on 0495-2436000.