Ulhasnagar: The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) will launch a ward-wise awareness campaign to promote the birth of girl children, prevent female foeticide and encourage gender equality across the city.

The initiative was announced by Mayor Ashwini Nikam and Health Committee Chairperson Savita Torane-Ragde at a special workshop titled ‘Welcome the Birth of a Baby Girl – Save Girl Child Movement’, jointly organised by the health departments of the UMC and Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).

The workshop was conducted under the leadership of Ulhasnagar Municipal Medical Officer of Health Dr Satyam Gupta and KDMC Medical Officer of Health Dr Sapna Ramole. MLA Sulabha Gaikwad and Leader of the Opposition Anjali Salve attended as chief guests.

Social campaigner Dr Sudha Kankariya delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need to protect girl children, curb female foeticide and bring about positive social change. She stressed the importance of challenging discriminatory attitudes and fostering greater acceptance of girls within families and society.

Nikam said the proposed campaign would focus on promoting respect for girl children, raising awareness about the legal provisions against female foeticide and taking the message of gender equality to every household.

An official resolution will soon be tabled before the municipal corporation. A special meeting with corporators will subsequently be convened to finalise ward-level implementation plans and strategies.

Corporators Vijaya Pote, Maya Kamble and Ranjana Mahale attended the workshop, along with doctors, social workers, advocates, healthcare officials and citizens, including Dr Vinod Desai, Dr Sania Kijari, Dr Sangeer Sarvankar and Dr Ganesh Doifode.