The German government is extending grant support to a project ‘Meri Shakti Meri Beti’ implemented by Delhi-based NGO Centre for Social Research (CSR). The project aims at curbing the incidents of pre-natal sex selection in South West Delhi. The financing agreement was signed by Germany’s acting Ambassador in New Delhi Mr. Cord Meier-Klodt and Dr. Ranjana Kumari, director of CSR on Friday, 3 February at the German Embassy. 

Germany has allocated Rs. 5,280,280 (approximately 80,000 euros) to the project for the period from 1 February – 31 December 2012. Commenting on the support of the German government, Dr. Kumari said, “Centre for Social Research has been working on the issue of sex selective abortions since 1987 through a range of direct action programmes, education initiatives with local authoritative bodies and the community at large, and advocacy and lobbying campaigns at national and international levels. Our partnership with the German Embassy over the past three years has given us the opportunity to better structure and resource our programmes. It has also helped us to expand the reach of these initiatives and to positively impact more women across Delhi and beyond.”

The goal of the project ‘Meri Shakti Meri Beti’ is to generate understanding and awareness regarding the implementation and impact of the Pre-Conception & Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act 1994 and prepare local stakeholders and community members for deeper engagement in efforts to end pre-natal sex selection. The sensitisation of the community members and general public will be done through various "walks against female foeticide", silent demonstrations, signature campaigns, and media workshops. A medical and social audit will also be conducted; its findings will be submitted to the bodies of the Government of India dealing with the issue of decreasing sex ratio.

After signing the grant agreement, Mr. Meier-Klodt said, "I commend Dr. Ranjana Kumari and her team at CSR for the good work they are doing in the field of human rights and women's empowerment. This Embassy is proud to be able to support CSR in implementing this important project aimed at curbing the decreasing sex ratio in Delhi. It is our belief that this kind of grassroot work is essential in improving the situation of the girl child."

Improving women’s human rights is a central element of the German government’s human rights policy, encompassing both national policy towards women and foreign and development policy. Since the 2000 Millennium Summit, Germany has spent well over half of its bilateral development cooperation funds to promote projects which have a proven positive impact on gender equality.