When she thrives, we all thrive
Together this giving season, we can make a difference that ripples outward to benefit everyone.
The #UnlockFutures appeal will focus on keeping girls in school and out of child marriage by unleashing the power of young women once at risk of becoming child brides. Trained as ‘GirlGuardians,’ they will be leading the charge to support girls in school. Through Aid Match, the UK Government will match all donations to this appeal until 10 January 2018, doubling the value of public support.
To launch the appeal and celebrate International Day of the Girl, CAMFED is holding a launch event at London’s Institute for Government on 11 October 2017.
The appeal focuses on the issue of child marriage in some of the poorest areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where as many as 6 out of 10 girls are married before the age of 18. Locked in a cycle of poverty and hopelessness, they are at grave risk of HIV/AIDS, physical violence, and serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Poverty and inequality drive this injustice, and the practice of child marriage in turn perpetuates this vicious cycle.
CAMFED’s unique solution takes shape in its alumnae network, CAMA, a membership association of young women who were supported to go to school by CAMFED.
Many of these young women were once themselves destined to be child brides, and they understand what it takes to help girls escape this poverty trap.
Their powers stem from their lived experience, their deep roots in their communities, and the respect they command from girls and families alike. As GirlGuardians, these real-life superheroes will be equipped with knowledge to provide girls with the practical support they need to stay in school and succeed, and to advocate for girls’ education and against child marriage with families and traditional leaders.
One such GirlGuardian is CAMFED alumna Alice, who grew up in Samfya District, Zambia. Once destined to be a child bride, she now works with schools and communities to keep girls in school and out of child marriage, personally supporting 10 girls to go to school, and looking after two orphans.
The UK Aid Match scheme allows taxpayers to make informed decisions about how a portion of the international development budget is spent, and it allows charities to explain why we should care for causes further away from home.
When it comes to the proven returns on girls’ education and women’s empowerment, and their key role in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals, protecting girls and unlocking their potential is the best investment all of us can make.
To find out more about our #UnlockFutures appeal and invest in girls’ education, click here.
Donald Bartlett $211
Sherrie Albrecht $211
Jefferson Osborn $106
Jade Laine $52.4
Miguel Armijo $31.9
Beth Ryer $316
Justin Teague $211
Linda Siperstein $150
Alan Smith $100
Stephen Kevan $2500
mae cirrito $100
Paul Schwartz $158
Jefferson Osborn $158
Anthony Brooks £50
Gary Althoff $100