International Gender Equality Day was launched on April 16 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, India in the presence of eminent representatives from several countries including Brazil, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Pakistan, Guyana, Ethiopia, Republic of Korea, Maldives, among others. Professionals from multinational companies such as Alibaba, Amazon, Microsoft, PwC, Pepsi and members of organisations like World Parliament and WFIT were also present.
On the occasion, Oxxy – the largest healthcare network in India – offered a solution to combat the problem of gender inequality in the country by facilitating ‘Rs. 11,000 Fixed Deposit to every Girl Child born in India’*.
The launch of ‘International Gender Equality Day’ and ‘Oxxy Girl Child Development Programme’ and a day long conference held at Vigyan Bhawan demonstrated through concrete evidences and data the pervasive nature of discrimination against women and girls everywhere. Discussions were held on topics such as Equal Economic Opportunities, Gender Mainstreaming, Reservation for Women and Violence Against Women.
The panels examined issues related to gender inequality and shared ideas on best practices for reducing the gap. Topics of gender based reservation and measures needed to prevent violence against women were raised. They formulated recommendations to increase women’s participation on national level, sharing fair practices and empowering women to increase their economic participation.
Despite progress in the last few years, it is estimated that countries around the world still have some discriminatory laws in their legal framework. These range from laws that prevent basic rights like education, right to work, dressing up or driving a car. The conference was focused on highlighting inequalities and challenges faced by women; identifying gaps and opportunities for gender equality in 2030 agenda for a progressive and healthier world.
India’s strategy to counter the challenges of gender inequality were taken up by Oxxy. Its vision for supporting every girl child financially and having a healthier next generation was appreciated by every participant in the event.
Under the Oxxy Girl Child Development Programme (OGCDP), every girl born in the country, whose parents register for the plan, will be offered a fixed deposit of Rs.11,000 at the time of the child’s birth. This is irrespective of the religion, social status or geographical location of the parents. The programme is open to everyone in the country and its benefits can be availed free of cost.
This plan is developed with a specific agenda of making the girls financially independent. Its time frames and mode of working are designed keeping a girl’s needs in mind. The girls could use this money judiciously at 18, when they are an adult. It may be used for their education, professional goals or anything else they want to do. The money is for them to enable a better future for themselves and no one else will have any right on it.
According to Pankaj Gupta, founder Oxxy, “We have created a self sustaining eco-system. There will be no financial burden on the parents. This programme is not funded by the government, tax payers or any foreign foundations. The entire facilitation of funds will be made by Oxxy along with it’s 1,50,000 healthcare network partners.”
Oxxy also proposed a free health programme for both girls and boys across India. They would be given a lifetime Oxxy Membership Plan to take care of their health. The plan aims to contribute to a healthier next generation. By making every girl economically strong, Oxxy is working towards narrowing the gender gap.
Oxxy will educate expecting mothers about the timely tests and precautions according to the global standards. This will ensure healthier mother and baby post-delivery, leading to a sharp decrease in Infant Mortality Rate.
“More than 50,000 kids are born in India everyday and catering to all of them through Oxxy Girl Child Development Programme may make this World’s Biggest Social Impact Initiative,” said Oxxy co-founder Sheetal Kapoor.
How to enroll for Oxxy Girl Child Development Programme
In this voluntary programme, the expecting mom has to register before she is 3 months pregnant. The organisational support shall guide her as per the global recommended tests so that the baby is healthier and mother can also be taken care of. As and when her delivery date arrives, incase of girl child, after verification from the health centres, an FD of Rs. 11,000 will be made in the name of the child which may be linked to her adhaar card and bank account. She can access it when she turns 18 without any restrictions. The amount at that time will be much more and depend on the domestic interest rates. This money will help her to be financially strong.
In case of registration after 3 months, the child will be provided with free Oxxy membership plan for life.
Expecting mothers, during their pregnancy, need to register on Oxxy Health App available on the play store. For more details, visit http://www.oxxy.in/girlchild.php or dial 9999000102 or check the Oxxy Health App.
Oxxy is India’s largest healthcare network with over 2,00,000 health centres spread across 1500 cities.