Priyanka Chopra talked about child rights, adolescence and empowerment of girl child at Fair Start event. By GANITA
Priyanka Chopra is known to be a sassy girl, carrying off her outings, be they popular or cerebral, with equal aplomb. This Tuesday, she showed up in the city in a long fluid dress and a heavy minakari neckpiece, a bit of boho chic if you ask us, eloquently spouting the cause of underprivileged children. And she threw in some tips for what she believes is a “fair start” campaign.
At an event organised by UNICEF, she focussed on persisting inequities that children in India face, affecting their survival, growth and development. “We can’t make the big change in one day but we can work towards giving children opportunity to have a fair start,” she said.
She said that she believes in equality all around. She emphasised on the role of celebrities and public figures as opinion leaders. “When celebrities speak on such issues, the media covers them. People will read and hear about it. The fans might get inspired and start thinking about it,” she said. She urged people to take steps towards equality. “People think how one person can bring change alone. One should not think so. People should at least do their bit, the rest will happen eventually,” said Chopra. Talking about feminism she said that girls should support each other. Jealousy should be left behind for development according to her. “Men should also get the fact that women also humans. They should be given equal treatment,” she exclaimed.
Chopra also talked about the condition of girl child in India. She said that in most of the houses male child gets all the privilege. She urged people to give opportunity to their daughters and let them live fully. “Daughters have the ability to do wonders. Give them a chance,” she said. Change in mindset is necessary according to her. She added, “Journalists and media are the foot soldiers of the campaign.” Chopra recalled a story of the daughter of her domestic help. “I was home that morning. Daughter of my domestic help was sitting in the library. She was very fond of reading. I asked her about her school. She replied that she doesn’t go to school, only her brother goes,” she said. This one incidence moved Priyanka. “Daughters are not meant to stay at home and help with the household chores. They should also be given equal opportunities as the sons,” emphasised Chopra.
She asked people not to be hypocrites. She said, “We listen to something, get inspired for few minutes, go home and sleep. This needs to be changed. There are people who talk about women empowerment and don’t let their own daughter to step out and explore the world. let’s not be hypocrites and work for change.” She told the students to give their old books and clothes to the needy ones. “When you see children at footpath begging, you should not ignore that. You should think that how you can help that child. You should give your old books and clothes to the needy ones,” she said.
A skill set like painting, sewing et al will help the girl child to grow if she is not able to cope up with academics according to her.