Muskaan | Animation Short Film on Gender Equality and Female Foeticide
Summary
TLDRThe story revolves around Muskaan, a young girl who overhears her grandmother discussing aborting a child if it's a girl. Confused and upset, Muskaan embarks on a mission to prove that girls are equal to boys. Through various challenges, she shows the strength and capabilities of women, from astronauts to brave girls standing up against injustice. In the end, Muskaan wins the bet, changing her family's perspective on gender equality and demonstrating that both boys and girls deserve the same rights and opportunities.
Takeaways
- 👧 Gender bias is evident in the family, with expectations of a boy child and a preference to abort if the baby is a girl.
- 😔 Muskaan becomes aware of the gender discrimination and is upset about the idea of aborting a female child.
- 👩👦👦 Muskaan's mother expresses her belief that both boys and girls have the right to live, regardless of societal preferences.
- 🎯 Muskaan takes it upon herself to challenge the bias and prove that girls are just as capable as boys through 'Mission Muskaan.'
- 🚀 Muskaan uses Kalpana Chawla as an example of a woman achieving greatness, emphasizing that women can excel in fields typically dominated by men.
- 👨👩👧 Muskaan's family, particularly her grandmother, initially resists the idea of gender equality and believes boys are superior.
- 💪 Muskaan bravely stands up against societal norms, including the idea that girls should be seen as a burden and their education is less important than boys'.
- 🎤 Muskaan is selected for a national-level singing competition, showcasing her talent and ability to bring pride to her family, regardless of gender.
- ❤️ Muskaan's father supports her stance against gender-based abortion, highlighting that both boys and girls are equally important.
- 👶 By the end, Muskaan's grandmother acknowledges that both boys and girls are equal, marking a shift in her understanding and acceptance.
Q & A
What is the main conflict in the script?
-The main conflict revolves around the family's desire for a boy child and the decision to abort the child if it turns out to be a girl.
Who is Muskaan and what role does she play in the story?
-Muskaan is a young girl who becomes aware of the potential abortion of her unborn sibling if it is a girl. She challenges her family's beliefs and fights to prove that girls are as valuable as boys.
Why does Muskaan's family prefer a boy over a girl?
-The family believes that boys are better than girls, and they think only a boy can take the family lineage forward. They also mention societal pressures like dowry as reasons for preferring a boy.
What is Muskaan's 'mission' in the script?
-Muskaan's mission, 'Mission Muskaan,' is to prove that girls are equal to boys and to prevent her family from aborting the unborn child if it is a girl.
How does Muskaan try to change her family's perspective about girls?
-Muskaan challenges her family with a bet, where she attempts to prove that girls can do everything boys can, using examples like female astronauts and truck drivers.
What is the significance of the conversation about Kalpana Chawla?
-Muskaan uses Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman in space, as an example to show that girls can achieve great things, even more than driving trucks, which her family believed only men could do.
What does Muskaan's grandmother represent in the script?
-Muskaan's grandmother represents traditional, patriarchal views that place higher value on boys and enforce gender roles. She is initially resistant to Muskaan's ideas but changes her perspective by the end.
How does Muskaan's father, Manoj, react to the issue of gender preference?
-At first, Manoj supports his mother's views, but over time, he begins to side with Muskaan and her mother, understanding that both boys and girls are equal.
What is the final outcome of the script regarding the unborn child?
-By the end of the script, the family decides not to go through with the abortion, regardless of the child's gender, and they accept that both boys and girls have equal value.
What message does the script aim to convey about gender equality?
-The script promotes the message that both boys and girls are equally important, and societal biases against girls are unjust. It advocates for the right of every child to live, regardless of gender.
Outlines
👶 Gender Expectations and Muskaan's Determination
The first paragraph introduces Muskaan, her family, and their expectations surrounding the birth of a boy. Muskaan overhears a conversation about abortion if the unborn child turns out to be a girl. Her curiosity leads her to question her mother, who explains that in their society, girls are often not valued as much as boys. Muskaan, determined to challenge this thinking, embarks on what she calls 'Mission Muskaan' to prove that girls are just as capable as boys, beginning her personal quest for equality.
🤝 The Bet: Proving Girls Are Equal to Boys
Muskaan begins her challenge to prove that girls are no less than boys. She engages her uncle in a bet to change the family's perception. The conversation highlights deep-seated biases as family members discuss the value of boys over girls. Muskaan sets out to prove that girls can do everything boys can, drawing comparisons to Kalpana Chawla, the astronaut. Despite some resistance, Muskaan continues with determination, showcasing that girls are capable of great things and initiating a series of challenges to win the bet.
💪 A Brave Girl Stands Up Against Eve-Teasing
In this section, Muskaan's cousin faces harassment, but she bravely takes action by reporting the culprits to the police. However, instead of being praised for her courage, her family punishes her by halting her education, citing dowry as a future financial burden. Muskaan steps in, arguing that dowry is outdated and unjust, and emphasizes that education is a girl's right. The conversation escalates into a broader discussion about gender equality and the roles women and men play in society, highlighting Muskaan’s growing influence and her family’s internal struggle.
🎤 Muskaan Wins and Shifts Perspectives
The final paragraph culminates with Muskaan's success on two fronts. First, her talent is recognized when she is selected for a national singing competition, bringing pride to her family. Second, Muskaan’s persistence and moral arguments lead her family, especially her grandmother, to realize that girls and boys are indeed equal. Muskaan’s father and grandmother acknowledge that the gender of the unborn child does not matter, and they reject the idea of abortion based on gender. Muskaan ultimately wins the bet and changes her family’s views, marking a victory for gender equality.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Sex Determination
💡Abort
💡Gender Bias
💡Bet
💡Dowry
💡Education
💡Kalpana Chawla
💡Lineage
💡Equality
💡Patriarchy
Highlights
Muskaan's mother is pregnant, and the family expects a boy, showing societal pressure.
Grandmother suggests aborting the child if it is a girl, highlighting gender discrimination.
Muskaan learns about the potential abortion and questions the gender bias in the family.
Muskaan's mother explains that society doesn't value girls as much as boys, but she believes both have the right to live.
Muskaan initiates 'Mission Muskaan' to prove that girls are equal to boys.
Muskaan confronts her grandmother about her love and the decision to abort if the baby is a girl.
Muskaan makes a bet with her grandmother to prove girls are not inferior to boys.
Muskaan cites Kalpana Chawla, the astronaut, to show women can achieve great things.
The family is worried when Ranjana, Muskaan's sister, doesn’t return home, reflecting societal concerns for girls' safety.
Muskaan defends her sister's bravery in confronting eve-teasers, demonstrating girls' strength.
Muskaan's uncle argues against dowry and supports girls' education, opposing traditional gender norms.
Muskaan’s mother speaks up, stating that she and her husband both contribute to the family, rejecting gender comparison.
The grandmother insists that boys carry forward the family name, reflecting patriarchal values.
Muskaan wins the bet when her grandmother finally understands that boys and girls are equal.
Muskaan’s father and grandmother both recognize the harmful nature of gender-based abortion and change their perspective.
Transcripts
Muskaan...Hey Muskaan!
Coming Grandma!
Ma...Ma is back!
Hey! Don’t jump on your mother any more.
Sorry!
Explain her.
Soon you’d be having a younger brother. Now you must become a good girl too.
Oh ya? Good girl?
If I become a good girl, then who will teach naughty pranks to my young brother grandma?
No...If it turns out to be a girl…Abort the child!
What happened Ma?
What was Grandma saying? What does “Abort the child” mean?
Nothing...you go to sleep.
No you have to tell me or else I’ll go and ask Grandma myself !
No wait...Everyone in the house is expecting a boychild...and not a girl.
In a few days the doctor will confirm whether the child in my womb is a boy or a girl.
And what if it turns out to be a girl?
Then...then they will abort the child... they will kill it in my womb Muskaan.
But why Ma?
Who knows why...people don’t consider girls to be as capable as boys.
Do you want the child to be a Girl?
Who are we to choose? Be it a girl or a boy, it has the right to live.
Why don’t others understand this?
Maybe they simply don’t want to understand.
Hmm.. I will make them understand!
Your Grandma won’t understand.
Oh you leave that upto me.
Tan tanaan...From today Mission Muskaan is onnnn...!
Who’s there?...Muskaan...go to sleep now!
[Song] The mother asks her daughter, what is it that worries you (why do you look so skinny)
Hey...sing properly...don’t you have to sing this song at school today?
Ok..now you tell me little devil. What is the matter? Why do you look so distracted today?
Grandma...don’t you love me?
See I love you so much.
Then why do you want to abort the child in Ma’s womb, if it turns out to be a girl?
You won’t get it...it is adult’s matter... I don’t want to discuss about this with you.
So Muskaan, how was the function at your school today?
I heard some people from Mumbai came today!
She’s not been properly talking or eating since morning. She’s just being stubborn.
What’s the matter Muskaan?
I want to ask you all something.
Go ahead...ask!
Ok...so uncle...do you like girls?
Mother has sent this.
Yes I do...a lot.
I mean...yes
Yes
Hmm
It is so wrong to be discussing about abortion in front of children!
The child will not be aborted...period!
Ya ya...if its a boy...it won’t be.
Why so? What if it’s a girl?
Because boys are better than girls!
No thats not true!
Yes it is!
If I prove it to you that Girls are no way lesser than Boys...will you change your decision?
So it is a bet then?
Yes it is!
Now come have your food Muskaan!
Oh am starving since ages! Why isn’t anyone giving me food?
Ma I am leaving!
Ranjana wait! Take your tiffin box at least!
Oh...am fed up of this girl...just waiting to get her married and be free of her worries!
See this is Tunnu, he is a boy...
Leave it...stop troubling that innocent being ...don’t commit such a sin!
Tunnu is a coward, I am not!
See Girl’s are better than boys Grandma!
This means I win the bet!
This is not how you win a bet!
How else do you then?
Well if it’s about the bet then....
Yes...so Muskaan, men drive huge vehicles such as the truck...
tell me if you can find any woman doing the same?
We need to see if we can find any lady driving a truck.
I know what you must be wondering... the answer to that is this...
This is Ma’s...we shall use this to click photos of the lady truck driver.
What happened...could you find any girl? Ha ha..
Ha ha...How can you...if there isn’t one.
This is Kalpana chawla...do you know who she was? ...She used to fly a rocket!
So as a matter of fact...leave aside a mere truck...
Girls fly huge planes and rockets...direct!
So I win the bet!...Yay I win the bet!..
There are more challenges still left in our bet...
I win...Isn't it uncle!
Rajesh...!
It is already so late in the night and Ranjana hasn’t yet returned home...her phone is also not reachable...
Can you please try and look for her? Her father is out on a job with his truck, he won't return before tomorrow.
Don’t you worry...I will find out.
I will come along too!
A grown up girl is huge responsibility.
...and this girl is out all day for either NCC or studies…
Here her father is wearing out striving to put together every penny for her dowry…
Once we can get her married... we shall be relieved off her burden.
Hmm...that’s true…
The next challenge for the bet could be...
Where is Muskaan?
She has gone with Rajesh.
Can’t you quietly sit at home? ... Now will you tell what happened?
Hey wait...why are you hitting her? You must be proud of her instead…
Some boys were eve teasing her...she gave them a fitting reply and dragged them to the police station...
She’s a brave girl. If we have more such girls, such goons will be straightened up by themselves...ha ha
I don’t care...tomorrow onward no more college and all for you.
When those boys are at fault...why are you punishing me? I want to study further.
We don’t have a tree of money...should we spend on your useless studies or save up for your dowry?
Excuse me...It is wrong to ask for or even offer dowry… and you are stopping her studies for that?!
If she studies further she can become a successful Officer herself.
Only some foolish guy would expect dowry from a girl as capable as her.
Uncle...do you mean to say that even you won’t accept dowry?
Of course...I would never!
Muskaan... Grandma was looking for you ...She had something to say.
So Grandma...did you think of the next challenge for our bet?
I will tell you when the right time comes.
Ma...Ma..
Such futile bets..meaningless comparison of Girls with Boys...Now will you keep quiet!
I have always kept quiet...but Muskaan is right!
What do you mean to say? My son... goes out for work...earns bread for the family.
Don’t try to equate yourself to him...do you even know the efforts that go in working in office?
Yes you are right that he earns for our bread... but you must acknowledge the fact that I actually bake it.
Maybe I don’t know the efforts that go in working at his office,
The same way even he doesn’t know, how much salt must be added to make the bread taste great!
We both run this family together. In fact it is unfair to make any comparisons between the two genders.
If we all start selectively giving birth to boys then the balance of the society will be disturbed...
How come you don’t get such a simple thing?
Manoj!...control your wife
But Ma...Sarita and Muskaan are both right in what they are saying...
Now you don’t join them in their childishness.
I don’t care about the society...what if this second child turns out to be a girl too?
Who will take our lineage forward?
But Ma even the girls take the lineage forward...
But who takes forward the family name?
I don't want these pointless arguments ... what we have decided is the best thing to be done.
Muskaan I couldn’t stop them...but I promise you that atleast I will never do such a thing myself.
Don’t feel defeated...You have actually won.
But I couldn’t stop Grandma...
Go away...it is all due to boys like you.
Hello...aren’t you Muskaan’s father? I am Muskaan’s Principal.
Oh yes Madam...we did meet at the school once.
This is my husband Mr Rana.
Namaste!
Good that we met. I wanted to break a good news to you
Our Muskaan has been selected at the National Level Singing competition.
Oh wow! Congratulations!
Oh, Muskaan mentioned that she learnt the song from her Grandma.
You seem to be her Grandma. Yes.
Heartiest congratulations to you too!
Well well...Looks like Muskaan will make the school’s and your family’s name famous in the entire country!
Muskaan is indeed very brilliant!
After all she’s My Daughter!
Mr Manoj
Ok...we must take your leave now. Please do tell Muskaan about this.
Yes...Surely.
Sorry Tunnu… You need not say “it’s alright”.
Ma I don’t wish to disobey you...but I don’t find it right to abort if the child is detected to be a girl.
Infact I am not even interested to know whether it is a boy or a girl.
How does it matter Ma both would be dear to us.
Can any reason in the world be so important that we kill the baby?
Here, your report is ready... according to the report...
Is the baby healthy?
Ya it is...but don’t you...
That would be enough for me to know.
But don’t you want to know whether...
Whether it is a boy or a girl?.. No thanks we are good with either...
Anyway we have no means to be sure whether you’d be telling us the truth or not.
But ...How can you...
Hey Doctor! Don’t be so greedy... and stop this illegal sex determination business...
or else I’ll inform the police about it.
Muskaan...you won the bet!
You won Muskaan...I understood today…. that a Boy and a Girl are both equal.
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