Declining sex ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) is a cause of grave concern in India. Starting from 972 females per 1,000 males in 1901, the relative number has now plummeted to 933 in 2001. Sitapur district has fared even worse as sex ratio here is 922 as against the national figure of 933.

The decline in sex ratio has been sharper during the past one and a half decades with the advent of facilities like amniocentesis and then ultrasound. These techniques have been misused and abused for determining sex of foetus in the womb. And if the sex of foetus turns of female, the foetus is aborted. To meet the challenge the Central Government has enacted Pre Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. But the situation did not change much.

Many organisations in India are trying to change the societal mindset to arrest decline in sex ration. Shashwat is making efforts in this direction in its area of operation. Senstisation workshops are held at different levels as a part of these efforts. Capacity of panchayat representatives and civil leaders is built so that they can be involved in combating the menace.

A Block Level PCPNDT Advisory Committee has been formed with the superintendent of the Community Health Centre, two doctors, one lady doctor and a representative of voluntary organisation. This advisory committee holds regular meetings.

To sensitise the community about female foeticide films like Aatmaja and Mook-Cheek have been screened on cable network. Rallies and street plays have been organised in urban areas of Mishrikh development block and gram panchayats. Essay writing competitions are also part of the campaign to prevent female foeticide.