The society's long-held view that boys alone will earn and assist family leads to discrimination between boys and girls, says a study of DemocracyWatch.

DemocracyWatch conducted the survey on 216 women and children living in three shantytowns in the capital.

Findings revealed that most of the girl children feel the families discount their opinions regarding their education, marriage, and earnings.

The survey outcomes were disclosed at the seminar room of the Press Institute ofBangladeshinthe city yesterday.

The research investigated the changes in thinking pattern about girl child among the income-poor group, problems facing the girl children, and the nature of discrimination.

Though most of the mothers now think their girl child should go to school, a significant number of the girls cannot do that for looking after household chores at the absence of their mothers.

The interviewees also think that the first initiative to change society's stereotypical thought should come from the families.

At the same time, the girl child should be let go to schools and thus ensure their participation in different social activities.

DemocracyWatch chairperson Prof Latifa Akand was present as the chief guest at the vent. Arifa Sharmin of Unicef, Abdullah al Mamun of Manusher Jonno Foundation, and Mahin Sultan of Brae Development Institute also spoke as panelists.

Taherunnessa Abdullah, Dr ASM Atikur Rahman, and Executive Director of DemocracyWatch Taleya Rehman also attended the programme.