“A world without girls is as impossible as a world without water.”
When I was pregnant, my family and friends would often shower me with blessings and good wishes, saying things like:
“God bless you with a healthy son.”
“May Lord Krishna or Lord Ganesha be born.”
“Be blessed with a baby boy.”
As far as I can recall, only a handful of people ever blessed me with the words:
“May you be blessed with a healthy baby girl.”
Deep down, I always wished for a daughter, and today, I feel blessed and proud to have one. Whenever someone expressed their wish for me to have a son, I would often reply:
“Why a son and not a daughter? Bless me that I have a daughter.”
Once, someone said to me:
“Lord Ganesha will be born, and you will be happy.”
I smiled at her and gently replied:
“Why Ganesha and not Gauri? I want Gauri.”
Her reaction was one of silence and a strange look, as if I had just expressed a desire for something unnatural or absurd.
Even today, despite the affection and emotional support daughters provide, a woman’s ability to bear a son remains a critical factor in determining her status within the family.
Cultural beliefs also reinforce this mindset. According to Confucian philosophy, only a male child can continue the family lineage. In Hinduism, daughters are valued to some extent—kanyadan (giving away a daughter in marriage) is considered highly meritorious—but a son is required to perform the last rites of parents. Without a son, many devout Hindus believe their souls cannot attain heaven.
A Vietnamese proverb even states:
“With one son, you have a descendant; with ten daughters, you have nothing.”
Globally, the challenges faced by girls are staggering. Around 10% of girls aged 5–14 years perform household chores for 28 hours or more per week, nearly double the time boys are expected to spend.
When it comes to education, societal status, and earning potential, men often hold the upper hand. Many girls are denied education because families believe their primary role is to manage household chores. A girl’s birth is often seen as a burden, while the birth of a son is celebrated.
Even in this era of progress and women’s empowerment, the preference for a male child persists—not just in India but across the world. This mindset needs to change, and such transformation will only happen when every individual consciously works towards altering these outdated beliefs. Do you agree?
After my daughter was born, a friend once told me that I was truly blessed to have a girl, something she felt she wasn’t because she had a son. When I asked her why she felt that way, she said:
“A daughter is born only to those who are truly blessed.”
I smiled and replied:
“Indeed, I am blessed.”
“Angels are often disguised as daughters.”
Leave you thoughts and comments in the box below.
Read more articles in the Be Candid section:
good one akshata .. daughters are indeed blessing !!
Well said 💯👍. I’m blessed to have a daughter 🙏
Nice one Akshata !!