Violence and Gender Equity

In this chapter, we examine the critical issues of violence against children, gender equity, and child protection in India. Acknowledging the vulnerability of children, particularly those from marginalized communities, we explore various forms of exploitation faced by children. In a progressive society, every child's inherent right to be safeguarded from neglect, discrimination, violence, and abuse is emphasized in the chapter. The analysis encompasses the sex ratio at birth, prevalence of child marriage, and various forms of violence experienced by children, including the factors contributing to child trafficking. The findings reveal challenges such as biased sex ratios, missing children cases, increased crime rates, and persistent issues like child marriage. The chapter calls for a multi-faceted approach, including challenging gender biases, promoting equality, strengthening child protection systems, and enhancing law enforcement. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for creating a safer environment to ensure child well-being, and advancing towards SDG-5, thereby fostering a more progressive, inclusive, and equitable society.