In India it is estimated that 150 million girls and 73 million boys under 18 have been subjected to forced sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual violence.

In India, 53% of girls in the age group of 5 to 9 years are illiterate.

In India, the death rate among girls below the age of 4 years is higher than that of boys. Even if she escapes infanticide or feticide, a girl child is less likely to receive immunisation, nutrition or medical treatment compared to a male child.

In India, 1 out of 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 4.

In India, every sixth girl child’s death is due to gender discrimination.

1 out of every 6 girls in India does not live to see her 15th birthday.

Poor and bonded families often “sell” their children to contractors who promise lucrative jobs in the cities and the children end up being employed in brothels, hotels and domestic work. Many run away and find a life on the streets.

25% of the victims of commercial sexual exploitation in India are below 18 years of age.

19% of children employed in India work as domestic help.