Japan Committee for UNICEF
Beckham UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador visits India to highlight the role of sport for gender equality [Press Release]
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UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham visits a community center and meets children who have drawn pictures of their dreams, wishes and what they have overcome. (India, November 14, 2023) (C )
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[November 15, 2023, Ahmedabad (India) / Mumbai (India) / New York] UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham will visit India in November to inspire change and innovation in local communities. They interacted with children and young people, including a girl who is living in poverty, and a young woman who has overcome obstacles to reduce gender inequality.
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During his four-day stay in India, Ambassador Beckham visited the western state of Gujarat and other areas to see first-hand how programs supported by UNICEF, in partnership with the Indian government, are helping girls and women. did. In Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, Ambassador Beckham heard the story of 21-year-old Rinku Pravivai. She had previously been forced into an engagement and was set to get married at the age of 15. As a result, she was forced to drop out of school, but through a girls’ group supported by UNICEF, she learned about the harms of child marriage. After she revealed her situation to a social worker, her marriage was called off, and she is currently studying to become a nurse at a local university. Ambassador Beckham also met with community workers, government officials and activists who help keep children in school and say no to child marriage and child labor.
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Goodwill Ambassador Beckham plays soccer with girls at Gujarat University (India, taken on November 13, 2023) (C)
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“As a father of young daughters, I was deeply moved to meet Link and other girls who fought for change and spoke out about their futures from an early age. For the girls, Link is a role model. They all benefit from the mentorship supported by UNICEF in partnership with the Government of India.” (Ambassador Beckham)
Ambassador Beckham then interacted with young innovators and entrepreneurs at Gujarat University’s Vikram Sarabhai Children’s Innovation Center. Established to encourage innovation by children and youth, especially girls, the center is the first of its kind in India. Shikha Shah, 27, founded a materials science company that upcycles agricultural waste to create environmentally friendly natural fibers. The company uses patented technology to achieve the highest production levels of any company that solves the dual problems of agricultural waste and environmental pollution from the fashion industry. UNICEF works with the Government of India to invest in girls’ education and opportunities to build their confidence and skills to become the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
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Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham with children participating in the Gujarat Youth Forum (India, taken on November 13, 2023) (C)
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In Ahmedabad, Ambassador Beckham met with children from the Gujarat Youth Forum, which was set up by UNICEF and partners two years ago to empower children and young people as agents of change. One of them, 12-year-old Prata Vanner, started playing cricket at the age of six and is now the only female player on an all-male team. We also met Aarya Chavda, a 14-year-old writer who donates the proceeds of her books and paintings to underprivileged cancer patients. Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, said: “The visit of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham to India conveys the importance of equal opportunities and rights for all children, and equal
opportunities for empowerment for all, especially girls. UNICEF reaffirms UNICEF’s mission to help children survive, thrive and pursue their dreams. UNICEF supports and is deeply involved in the Government of India’s efforts to ensure that every child survives, thrives and pursues their dreams. The pursuit of gender equality is at the core of all UNICEF’s work in India.” The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated gender inequalities in South Asia. Increases in domestic violence, child marriage, and loss of paid work and employment have affected girls and women, who continue to bear the brunt of long-term socio-economic shocks in the region.
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Goodwill Ambassador Beckham plays a game of cricket with children at a community center (India, taken on November 14, 2023) (C)
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As part of the visit, Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham visited the venue in Mumbai where the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-finals were being held, and met with legendary cricketer and UNICEF South Asia Regional Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar and children. I also interacted with Together, the two sporting stars celebrated the work of UNICEF and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to empower girls and women through cricket, and spoke to the audience about girls and boys, no matter where they live. , called for support so that they can have equal opportunities in sports and life. “I have always believed strongly in the power of sport to level the playing field for children.Sport inspires participation, breaks down gender stereotypes and is an effective way for girls to achieve their dreams. It’s a tool,” Beckham added.
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■ About UNICEF UNICEF (UNICEF: United Nations Children’s Fund) is a United Nations agency that works to promote the rights and healthy development of all children. We are currently working with many partners in approximately 190 countries and regions* to translate our philosophy into concrete actions in a variety of ways. We work for all children, everywhere in the world, with a particular focus on supporting those most in need. UNICEF’s activities are funded entirely by donations from individuals, companies, and organizations, as well as voluntary contributions from governments around the world. https://www.unicef.org/*Includes 33 countries and regions where the UNICEF National Committee (UNICEF Association) is active ■ About the Japan UNICEF Association The Japan UNICEF Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, operates in 33 developed countries and regions. As one of UNICEF’s domestic committees and the only private organization representing UNICEF in Japan, it is responsible for public relations, fundraising, and policy advocacy for UNICEF activities. https://www.unicef.or.jp/