SHILLONG, Nov 19: Seventeen-year-old Jolina Marak from Ri-Bhoi shared her story with Members of Parliament (MPs) who represented different political parties and appealed to them to make a push for better playgrounds, especially for girls in childcare institutions.
Deaflympics gold medallist Jolina was speaking at the meeting of the Parliamentarians’ Group for Children (PGC) held recently as part of the Child Rights Week activities.
In marking the Child Rights Week, as many as 35 PMs listened to children sharing their experiences in countering discrimination through sports, while calling for inclusion and equality for all children.
Seventeen-year-old Jolina took to football to overcome gender barriers where only boys could play football in the local playground.
Jolina spent her childhood in a Childcare Institution, having lost her mother when she was 13-year-old.
In 2019, she was chosen by US State Department for the Sports Visitor Exchange Program.
The focus of World Children’s Day this year was on sports as a powerful means to promote inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination.
Opening the session, MP and Chair of PGC, Gaurav Gogoi, reiterating their commitment, said, “Our country is only stronger when every child gets the life that they deserve. Race, caste, religion, sexual orientation, and income level do not impact their hopes and all dreams of children are realized. We believe that every child in the country should have a safe and protected childhood with equal opportunities, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized children.”
Five children from different states shared compelling stories of determination, hope and resilience.
Others who joined Jolina Marak include 15-year-old Guranshi Sharma from Madhya Pradesh, 15-year-old footballer Nisha from Rajasthan, 16-year-old Maksud from Mumbai, and 14-year-old athlete Balvinder Sing from Telangana
These children appealed to the MPs for better sports infrastructure and opportunities to participate in competitive sports.
Responding to the demands put forth by the children, the MPs spoke about their commitment toward facilitating greater access to sports at the panchayat, state, and national levels.
UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey appreciated the spirit of children to overcome gender and equity barriers She said, “Every child deserves to feel celebrated and has the right to be included and protected. And every child has the right to be heard. We are heartened by India’s efforts to amplify the perspectives of its youngest generations and thank the PGC for its leadership in unlocking a better future for every child.”
She requested all elected representatives to join hands to support providing all children with equal opportunities for a better future.
On the day, Jolina Marak and many children played a football match with Sachin Tendulkar, UNICEF South Asia Goodwill Ambassador, and Ayushmann Khurrana, UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate.
