During his 4-day go to, David Beckham noticed first-hand how UNICEF-supported programmes are making a distinction for women and girls.
David Beckham joins forces with UNICEF Regional Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar at ICC Cricket Word Cup semifinal to #BeAChampion for women
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham travelled to India this week to fulfill kids and adolescents, together with women who’re bringing about change and innovation of their communities, and younger girls who’ve overcome boundaries to assist shut gender gaps.
During his 4-day go to, together with to the western Indian state of Gujarat, Beckham noticed first-hand how UNICEF-supported programmes are making a distinction for women and girls, in partnership with the Government of India.
In Banaskantha district in Gujarat, Beckham met 21-12 months-outdated Rinku Pravibhai who was engaged to be married at age 15. She was pressured to drop out of college, however discovered concerning the dangerous penalties of kid marriage at a UNICEF-supported ‘young girls’ group. Her marriage was known as off after confiding in a social employee and, right this moment, Rinku is finding out to be a nurse at an area faculty.
Beckham met with neighborhood staff, authorities officers and activists who assist kids proceed their education and empower them to say no to baby marriage and baby labour.
“As a father of a young daughter, I was deeply moved to meet Rinku and other young girls who are fighting for change at an early age and having a say in their futures,” stated UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham. “Rinku is a role model for other girls who want to complete their education and fulfil their potential. All these girls have benefited from mentors supported by UNICEF, in partnership with the Government of India.”
Beckham met younger innovators and entrepreneurs on the Vikram Sarabhai Children Innovation Centre in Gujarat University. A first-of-its-sort for kids in India, the Centre was set as much as promote improvements by kids, particularly women. Shikha Shah, 27, has arrange AltMat, a fabric science firm upcycling agricultural residue to create surroundings pleasant pure fibers for textile and style. The firm has scaled up its patented know-how to one of many highest manufacturing capacities fixing the twin downside of agri-waste and style air pollution.
UNICEF works with the Government of India to spend money on women’ training and alternatives that enhance their confidence and abilities and assist them turn into the subsequent technology of entrepreneurs and leaders.
In Ahmedabad, Beckham met kids from the Gujarat Youth Forum, arrange two years in the past by an area companion, Elixir, and UNICEF, to encourage younger folks to turn into change-makers. He spoke to 12-12 months-outdated Pratha Vanar, a younger cricketer, who began enjoying cricket when she was six and is now the only lady amongst boys within the crew. He additionally met 14-12 months-outdated writer Aarya Chavda who donates her guide and artwork proceeds to underprivileged most cancers sufferers.
“UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham’s visit to India spotlights the message on the importance of equal opportunities and rights for every child. His visit reinforces UNICEF’s mission to support equal opportunities to empower all, especially girls,” stated UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey. “UNICEF is deeply committed to supporting the Government of India so every child can survive, thrive and pursue their dreams. The quest for gender equality runs at the core of all of UNICEF’s work in India.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated gender inequalities in South Asia. An improve in home violence, baby marriage and lack of paid work and employment impacted women and girls who proceed to bear the brunt of longer-time period socio-financial shocks skilled within the area.
As a part of the go to, David Beckham joined legendary cricketer and UNICEF Regional Ambassador for South Asia, Sachin Tendulkar, and kids on the ICC Cricket Word Cup semifinal in Mumbai. The sports activities stars united to rejoice UNICEF’s partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC) that goals to empower women and girls by means of cricket. They known as on spectators to #BeAChampion for women and boys – regardless of the place they dwell – to allow them to equally take part in sport and life’s alternatives.
“I have always been a strong believer in the power of sport in levelling the playing field for children. Sports promotes participation, breaks down gender stereotypes and is a powerful way to help girls to realise their dreams,” added Beckham.
