Sania Mirza and Dad Imran Mirza Bat for Gender Equality

We agree with the Mirzas.

(Photo Courtesy: The Quint) 

Sania Mirza with father Imran Mirza.

“My daughters are my friends. At NO point in our lives did we feel that we need a son”, Imran Mirza, tennis champion Sania Mirza’s father.

Sania Mirza started training very early to become a world class player. She was often touted by her friends and family for being a “sporty” girl.

We have often been told that girls are expected to play sports only till a certain age, too much involvement can lead to skin darkening and thus a lesser chance of getting a “good boy” in the marriage market. Sania Mirza too was given these two cents of advice by her relatives, but her parents ignored it and made her the sportsperson that she is today.

My daughter is the number 1 player in the world in Women’s Doubles. I feel extremely proud when people identify me as Sania Mirza’s father.

Imran Mirza

The bond shared by a father and daughter is depicted in a video released by the Population Foundation Of India (PFI). This video features Sania Mirza and her father Imran as part of a campaign that aims to end violence against women and girls titled ‘Bas Ab Bahut Ho Gaya - Enough is Enough!’.

This video is part of a series of films to be released digitally to generate debate and promote positive change in cultural and social norms around the value of women in India. National celebrities have joined this campaign to relay messages that motivate young girls to stand up against violence, and show boys that masculinity is not connected to aggression.

Apart from the films, there will be several activities including panel discussions, a film-making contest, and a series of films about violence against women. The campaign will culminate in a concert in Mumbai.