To spread awareness and mobilise masses on the issue of gender based sex-selection, many silent demonstrations and rallies are being organised across the city by centre for social research, especially in south-west district where the problem is more acute.
Men, women, schoolchildren and elderly have been part of this ongoing campaign.
According to a recent report by UNICEF, India has lost over one crore girls since 2007 leading to a dramatic decline in the sex-ratio. Research by different rights groups has pointed out that lesser women are available for marriages particularly in Haryana because of which nearly 4.5 lakh girls have been trafficked from Jharkhand.
Such practices have led to an increase in sexual violence against women, endangering their socio-economic independence and increased cases of child abuse.
While sex-selective abortions are illegal in India, the practice is still prevalent due to social and cultural reasons, said Dr Ranjana Kumari, director of centre for social research.
Published 27 December 2012, 20:24 IST