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Don't budge to patriarchal norms: Komal Raut

The brilliant first year B Com student from Pune, will be designated as Consul General of Canada for a day to mark the International Day for the Girl Child

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Komal Raut (left) will assume her work by ringing the opening bell at the Bombay Stock Exchange (above)
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Smart and chirpy, Komal Raut is an 18 year old girl from Pune who is pursuing B Com and Chartered Accountancy together along with an internship at KPMG, one of the four big auditors along with Deloitte, EY and PWC, is adding another feather to her cap. She will be designated for a day as a "Consul General of Canada" to mark the International Day for the Girl Child.

Come Monday, Komal, will assume the role of 'Consul General' by ringing the opening bell at the Bombay Stock Exchange. She will sign a deal with the senior Maharashtra Government officials, lead a discussion on women's issues at a Mumbai school, visit a women-only bank and hold a meeting of officials in the consulate at Mumbai.

The daughter of an electrician and a nurse, Komal completed her school education from a municipal school in Pune with flying colours. It was her academic excellence, determination and immaculate communication skills that had Dasra foundation nominate her for such an honour.

Komal believes that every woman must believe in her capabilities. Though she never faced any discrimination in her family or society for being a girl child, she advises others saying, "Don't budge to patriarchal norms. You will see the change once you once you take a stand," says the teenager like a seasoned feminist.

Komal lauds gives all the credit of her success to her school K.C. Thackeray Vidya Niketan English Medium School. The government-run school is supported by Akanksha foundation. "As a child I used to participate a lot in inter-school debates and writing competitions. I was also a member of the volleyball team for inter school matches," says Komal who is now in her first year of Bachelor of Commerce at Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, Pune.

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls' rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

Explaining the rationale behind the concept of the event, Consul General Jordan Reeves says, "A Consul General doesn't't have super powers. But she does have a platform and can reach out to people. Through this gesture, we are selecting a deserving young woman who can make a difference and raise awareness about equality and equity in the society." The consulate general office in collaboration with several NGOs has supported various women empowerment programs in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

On women's status in Canadian society, Reeves says, "No country is perfect. However, Canada places a high priority on the full participation of women and girls in all aspects of society. Canada's parliament unanimously supported a motion to have Canada lead the international campaign to establish the International Day of the Girl Child, and the Government of Canada partnered with Plan Canada to achieve that goal."

Jaipur girl was Canada's Ambassador for the day

Medha Mishra, a student from Jaipur, was made Canada's High Commissioner for a day on October 7th. She was selected through a video competition on the theme "Why girls' rights are important and what can be done to achieve greater gender equality".

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