The unwanted girl child is India's biggest shame as girls face higher risks of malnutrition, disease, disability and retardation of growth and development. When it comes to healthcare, education, well-being and growth opportunities, girls are neglected because of their gender. Violence too affects them. It is rooted in the gender inequality that women face throughout their lives from childhood through to old age. National Girl Child Day aims to highlight inequalities towards girls and need of the hour is to break stereotypes – empower, educate, protect and celebrate the girl child.