Global Icons and Local Leaders Unite in Indore to Prioritize Child Health and Protection

UNICEF–ICC partnership highlights the power of sport in empowering girls and building confidence.

New Delhi: Bringing together leaders, youth, and advocates, UNICEF and ICC held a Round Table on the Girl Child in Indore to spotlight two key priorities — anaemia prevention and child protection. The dialogue underscored the need for inclusive policies and collective action for children’s well-being.

Delivering the keynote address, Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, lauded the state’s ongoing efforts to advance gender equality, improve nutrition, and safeguard children’s rights. “When children are well nourished, protected, and supported to learn and play, they thrive — and that is the promise we must deliver on,” she said. Emphasizing the partnership between UNICEF and ICC, McCaffrey highlighted how sports can build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills, especially among girls, by creating safe and inclusive spaces that empower them to shape their futures.

Mr. Sheo Shekar Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism, Home, and Culture), commended the roundtable’s collaborative approach and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women and protecting children. Dr. Sudam Pandharinath Khade, Divisional Commissioner, Indore Division, echoed this vision, emphasizing the importance of multi-departmental coordination and last-mile implementation. “Our government is deeply committed to ensuring that every child in Madhya Pradesh, especially every girl, has access to nutrition, protection, and opportunity,” Dr. Khade stated.

Cricket legend Mithali Raj, ICC Ambassador and former Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, inspired participants by speaking on the transformative power of sport. “When we invest in girls’ health and opportunities, we give them the confidence to dream without barriers,” she said, urging young people to use their voices to bring about change. Adding to the inspiring voices, Gauranshi Sharma, UNICEF India Youth Advocate and Deaflympics gold medalist from Madhya Pradesh, shared her story through sign language, saying, “Disability does not define what a girl can achieve. With the right support and opportunity, every girl can soar.”

The discussion highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s progress through key initiatives such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat, Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which have advanced girls’ education, delayed early marriage, and strengthened community engagement. Participants called for greater collaboration among departments to strengthen child protection systems and integrate children’s voices in local governance processes. The event concluded with an interactive dialogue exploring ways to accelerate community-driven action toward a Suposhit and Samarth Madhya Pradesh — a nourished and empowered state where every girl can learn, grow, and lead.