Every year on July 11th, the world observes World Population Day, a day dedicated to highlighting and raising awareness about various population-related issues. The day aims to shed light on important issues related to population growth, family planning, gender equality, maternal health, and sustainable development.
As of the latest available data, the global population stands at approximately 7.9 billion people. Over the past century, the world has witnessed remarkable population growth, fueled by factors such as advancements in healthcare, improved living conditions, and increased life expectancy. However, this growth has also brought numerous challenges, including resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and social inequality.
Moreover, as the world's population continues to grow, gender and social inequalities persist, exacerbating numerous societal challenges. The increasing population places additional strain on limited resources, amplifying existing disparities and creating new ones. Women and marginalized communities often bear the brunt of these inequalities.
In many societies, gender inequality becomes more pronounced with population growth. Traditional gender roles and norms become reinforced, limiting women's access to education, employment opportunities, and decision-making power. As the population rises, competition for resources intensifies, leading to increased exploitation of vulnerable groups, including women and children.
On World Population Day, we not only celebrate the global population but also recognize the importance of gender equality in shaping our world. With the theme "Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Uplifting the Voices of Women and Girls to Unlock Our World's Infinite Possibilities," this year's observance focuses on empowering women and girls, acknowledging their vital role in creating a brighter future for all.
Gender equality is the principle that all individuals, regardless of their gender, have the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources and decision-making. Achieving gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a prerequisite for sustainable development, economic growth, and social progress. It entails dismantling discriminatory practices, challenging gender norms, and ensuring equal participation and representation of women and girls in all spheres of life.
The rate of population growth has slowed down in recent years, but the world's population is still expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Such growth poses significant challenges, especially in developing countries, where access to healthcare, education, and basic amenities can be strained. It puts pressure on resources like food, water, and energy, necessitating sustainable practices and innovative solutions.
Dera Sacha Sauda, a socio-spiritual organization based in India, is playing a role in promoting gender equality and uplifting the voices of women and girls. The organization, under the leadership of Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan aka Baba Ram Rahim, has implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering women and advocating for their rights. Here are some notable contributions of Dera Sacha Sauda in bringing quality and making society even better!
Dera Sacha Sauda has recognized the importance of education in empowering women and girls. The organization has established educational institutions, including schools and colleges, where girls receive quality education on par with their male counterparts. By providing equal access to education, Dera Sacha Sauda has enabled girls to acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for their personal growth and active participation in society.
Dera Sacha Sauda has initiated several programs specifically focused on empowering women. These programs aim to enhance women's skills, improve their livelihood opportunities, and promote financial independence. Vocational training programs, such as sewing sessions and many other handcrafting skills are taught to support women in becoming self-reliant and contributing members of society.
Dera Sacha Sauda has actively engaged in various social welfare activities that benefit women and girls. The organization has conducted campaigns against gender-based violence, including female foeticide and dowry, raising awareness about these issues and advocating for their eradication. Additionally, the organization has provided humanitarian aid and support to all including women during natural disasters and other challenging circumstances.
Recognizing the importance of women's health, Dera Sacha Sauda has organized medical camps and awareness campaigns on women's health issues. The organization has also taken steps to improve sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas, promoting hygiene and better health outcomes for women and girls.
Promoting awareness and encouraging individuals and families to make informed choices about family planning can be an essential step in addressing population growth. By advocating for smaller family sizes, the 'BIRTH' initiative aims to raise consciousness about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of high population growth rates.
Adopting sustainable practices and policies, including responsible family planning, can help alleviate the strain on resources, reduce the carbon footprint, and improve overall well-being. It is crucial to ensure that individuals have access to reproductive health services, education, and support to make informed decisions regarding family size and spacing.
While voluntary initiatives like 'BIRTH' can play a role in raising awareness and encouraging responsible family planning, it's important to note that addressing population growth requires a comprehensive approach that includes access to education, healthcare, gender equality, economic opportunities, and social support systems.
Myriad Dera Sacha Sauda volunteers have pledged to follow the BIRTH campaign and have contributed their part in controlling the population explosion on a larger scale.
The urgent need to address the growing risk of population explosion requires immediate attention and action. We must tackle the underlying causes of this problem and strive towards establishing a sustainable future for everyone. Neglecting this responsibility will lead to an overwhelmed and unsustainable world. Under the guidance of Guruji, individuals, including newlywed couples, are embracing the BIRTH initiative as a way to make a significant contribution towards mitigating the negative consequences of population explosion and safeguarding the entire universe.
Under the guidance of Saint Dr. MSG, Dera Sacha Sauda plays a crucial role in addressing population-related challenges. These goals encompass various areas, including poverty eradication, health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
Besides Dera Sacha Sauda has actively worked towards challenging gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality within its community. By advocating for gender equality, it contributes to the broader societal shift toward more inclusive and equitable practices.
On World Population Day, join hands with Dera Sacha Sauda, adopt the BIRTH initiative, and commit to a brighter future by addressing both population control and gender equality. By educating individuals, empowering women, and fostering gender equality in all spheres of life, we can build a world where everyone's rights and opportunities are respected. We are grateful to be a part of this initiative started by Saint D. MSG, that’s contributing immensely to controlling the population explosion.
Pledge today for the same and together, let's strive for a balanced society that values the well-being and empowerment of all its inhabitants.