Happy & Healthy
WHY OCTOBER 11 IS AN IMPORTANT DAY
Last May, I had the opportunity to join Plan Netherlands to Uganda to see the MHM project. Extremely impressive, overwhelming, but especially beautiful to see how Plan stands up for all girls around the world who do not have a life like you and I do here. Because Plan is committed to all girls, and that is why Tuesday, October 11 is quite an important day.
International Day of the Girl is a day to reflect on the position of girls worldwide. This year, the campaign ‘Loud about Girls’ specifically draws attention to child marriages. For us, it seems far removed, but every three seconds a girl gets married before she turns 18, which shatters her future in an instant. These girls are given away by their parents to often complete strangers and are no longer allowed to go to school. They are victims of domestic violence and often become mothers far too young.
“Freedom is not a given for all girls in the world.”
Giovanca, along with Sabrina Starke and Elske DeWall, is an ambassador for the campaign to raise awareness in the Netherlands about the situation millions of girls find themselves in. Giovanca: “Freedom is not a given for all girls in the world. In many places around the world, girls still do not or hardly get the chance to develop. Every girl should, just like me, have the opportunity to realize her dreams and ambitions.”
All proceeds from ‘Loud about Girls’ will be used to build shelters in Zambia, where girls at risk of being married off can find refuge. At these locations, the girls are safe and have the opportunity to finish their education. Plan Netherlands therefore calls on the public to text the word ‘GIRLS’ to 4333 (you also have a chance to win a special concert by Giovanca, Sabrina Starke, or Elske DeWall). Texting is possible until October 23, and each text costs €1. A seemingly small donation for us, but it helps the girls in Zambia immensely. Because a young girl should be wearing a school uniform, not a wedding dress.
Written by Annick van den Broek
