Nepalese Girls Empowered to Fight Child Marriage Through Supporting 1000 Girls Initiative
The issue of child marriage has long plagued vulnerable girls in Nepal, forcing them into a cycle of lost education, gender-based violence, and discrimination. In response to this pressing problem, the Taiwan World Vision has launched the “Supporting 1000 Girls – Courageous and Fearless” initiative, aiming to provide education as a tool for girls to change their own futures and those of the next generation. Advocates Chang Chun-ning and Janine Chang recently attended a press conference to kick off the campaign, sharing their firsthand experiences of the challenges faced by Nepalese girls and the impact of Taiwan’s support in empowering these girls and their mothers to dream fearlessly. They invited everyone to join them in sponsoring 1000 girls before International Day of the Girl on October 11, to help these girls gather the courage to face their future without fear.
Empowering Girls through Education to Combat Child Marriage
Behind each of the 1000 girls supported in this initiative are countless children crying out for help. Taiwan World Vision President Lee Shao-ling emphasized that in fragile environments marked by poverty, famine, and conflict, girls are often the first to be sacrificed. This year, Taiwan’s support has provided educational assistance to girls in 77 World Vision service communities, with the goal of keeping girls in school and empowering them to protect themselves. Education not only helps decrease child marriage rates and reduce gender inequality but also promotes economic development. When 1000 girls are sponsored, an additional 4000 children in the community benefit as well. Through long-term initiatives like this, Taiwan World Vision serves over 45,000 economically disadvantaged children in Taiwan, nearly 20,000 of whom are girls. It has been found that while girls and boys in Taiwan share the same desire for education, a higher proportion of girls are forced to forego schooling due to economic factors. This highlights the global challenge of ensuring equal treatment for girls and the vital role of sponsorship in helping them achieve their dreams.
Stories of Change: Transforming Lives One Girl at a Time
In Nepal, where one-third of girls are married before the age of 18 and 8% become child brides before they are even 15, the consequences of early marriage are devastating. Chang Chun-ning and Janine Chang witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by girls in Nepal, including the lack of proper school facilities like toilets for girls, which often deters them from attending school. One girl they met, Neeha, narrowly escaped being married off at the age of 14 by standing up to her parents, even going so far as to protest by putting her hand in a hot frying pan. With the intervention of World Vision, Neeha avoided child marriage, returned to school, and the support from Taiwan also helped build new gender-specific toilets at her school. Now, Neeha is actively involved in training other girls in the community to change their mindset and report cases of child marriage. Chang Chun-ning and Janine Chang even participated in a health education class taught by Neeha, where they were inspired by her determination to create change. The group of girls she trained has successfully prevented three child marriages and organized plays in the community to raise awareness about the negative consequences of child marriage, ultimately leading to its eradication in the area.
Creating Sustainable Change through Empowering Women
Visiting successful entrepreneurs like Kavita, a mother who benefited from World Vision’s poverty alleviation program, Chang Chun-ning and Janine Chang witnessed the transformative power of providing opportunities for women. Kavita, who had never received an education, was able to start a business with just one mother pig, lifting her family out of poverty. She dreams of supporting her three daughters through their education. This experience highlighted the importance of empowering women through education and economic opportunities, enabling them to become independent and contribute to their families and communities. By supporting initiatives like the poverty alleviation program in Sarlahi, Nepal, which has improved the lives of 582 households, primarily benefiting women, World Vision is creating a ripple effect of change within families and communities.
Impact of Sponsorship: Changing Lives and Communities
Witnessing the resilience and compassion of children in challenging environments, Janine Chang and Chang Chun-ning were inspired to continue making a difference. They recognized that by supporting education, children have the power to transform their lives and give back to their communities. This year’s “Supporting 1000 Girls” initiative focuses on addressing issues such as child marriage, gender-based violence, menstrual discrimination, and female genital mutilation faced by girls living in fear. By contributing just 700 NT dollars per month, individuals can support these girls in realizing their dreams through education. Corporate sponsors like Hi-Q Marine Biotech, HAPPY GO Joint Marketing Company, and Taipei Capital Bus Company have joined the initiative, encouraging others to support the cause. HAPPY GO has invited its millions of cardholders to donate through their app to help these girls, fostering courage and change in their lives. Each sponsorship represents an opportunity for a girl to transform her future, and as International Day of the Girl approaches on October 11, everyone is encouraged to come together to sponsor 1000 girls and change the narrative of more children’s lives.
By sponsoring a girl through the Taiwan World Vision website, utilizing LINE Pay for donations, or contributing through postal remittance, individuals can make a significant impact on the lives of these girls. For more information or inquiries, contact the service hotline or email provided. The content of this article is proudly provided by Taiwan World Vision.