In observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, a consultation on “Addressing Gender-Biased Sex Selection” was held on 12th October 2025 at Hotel Dayal Paradise, Lucknow, jointly organized by Girls Count and Vatsalya with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
The consultation brought together members of the Indian Medical Association, civil society representatives, and experts working on gender equality and reproductive health. The sessions were led by Dr. Neelam Singh, Chief Functionary, Vatsalya, and Mr. Rizwan from Girls Count, who facilitated engaging discussions and shared valuable insights on addressing the issue of gender-biased sex selection in Uttar Pradesh.
The consultation featured a series of knowledge-building sessions and open dialogues focusing on:
•    Emerging trends in the sex ratio at birth in Uttar Pradesh.
•    Socio-cultural and structural factors driving son preference and daughter unwantedness.
•    The role of medical practitioners in promoting ethical practices and self-regulation.
•    Challenges faced by medical professionals in ensuring compliance with existing laws.
•    Successful community-driven initiatives and advocacy campaigns aimed at changing social norms.
•    Opportunities for collaboration with IMA, IRIA, and FOGSI to strengthen collective action against gender-biased sex selection.
The event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, experience sharing, and collective strategizing toward ensuring gender equity and upholding the value of every girl child.