Using the F word

This week, a very articulate Emma Watson took to the international stage to help launch the United Nations #HeforShe campaign.

She spoke about her own experiences of gender discrimination from as young as 8 and the uncomplicated way she decided that she was a feminist.

The F word has traditionally carried a lot of baggage with it, including fear, but Emma points out that it’s not about hating men, but working together for gender equality.

The #HeForShe campaign is about just that.

Many if not all of the Girls and Women we work with have experienced Gender discrimination.

In the Pacific Islands, violence against women and children including sexual abuse, is prolific and women occupy precious few positions of public leadership.

Two of the many reasons we are about Girls. You can read about the others here.

And not at the expense of boys, but alongside them, and dads, and teachers, and policemen in the community. It’s only together that we can see change so that society and culture as a whole can benefit.

We are blessed with great male advocates in the community where we work in Fiji. Men who see the bigger picture and work hard to help Girls mend their wings so they can fly.

One who comes to mind is a school principal we work closely with who believes in giving girls every opportunity possible. Another is the dad who chose what seemed like the harder road and sent his 14 year old daughter back to school rather than marrying her off. And the policeman on our local volunteer team who becomes impassioned when you talk to him about sexual abuse and vows to defend and protect our Girls.

Your generosity helps us bring these people together and support them to do what’s right.

Thank you,

Warmly,

Jane for team ‘a Girl & her world’

www.agirlandherworld.org

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