Mumbai: A micro site dedicated to the girl child was launched on International Girl Child Day today by Child Rights and You (CRY), an organisation advocating child rights.

"The micro site emphasises the need to view the girl child as an individual before getting into the issues of gender and the roles played by her. The issue of gender discrimination is key to child rights," a CRY spokesperson told PTI.

The site, cry4girls.cry.org , which aims at sensitising people towards rights of the girl child opens up with the visual of young girl saying, "I got the haircut for my boyfriend. I took Arts for my Dad. I learnt to cook for my Mom. When do I be myself?"

"cry4girls.. " is interactive -- allows one to post views on a blog, has experiences from activists on the field, links to articles, volunteering opportunities among other things.

The site also contains a charter developed as part of the campaign Eliminate Discrimination, not the Girl Child, asking individuals to pledge their support for policies at the national level such as strict action against female foeticide. The charter, which has been signed by 6,000-odd individuals till date, will be submitted to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development soon.

"The petition will awaken people from a deep slumber and take necessary action," reads the response of a person who has signed up for the charter. "The myriad problems of the girl child in India, both within the family environment and outside are far too many too ignore," another said.

Source : PTI