I am running for Plan International UK - Perform’s CSR charity
partner.  Plan has been close to my heart now for many years having been lucky enough to be given the opportunity to get involved with the project from the beginning.  Using Empowerment Through Sport (ETS) in India supporting the most marginalised children I got to witness first-hand the success of the 3-year project.    Using the same model, we are now launching Phase II of the project in Terasina, Brazil. 

This time our aim is to support boys and girls to effectively challenge social norms and encourage support for gender equality and girls’ rights in their communities using the medium of sport. Whilst laws have been passed to increase gender equality in Brazil, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched in Brazilian society and prevents girls from realising their rights.

The impact of gender inequality manifests itself in a number of ways, from wage inequality and unequal distribution of household chores, through to child marriage, child pregnancy, and domestic violence.

Brazil holds the 4th highest absolute number of child marriages world-wide and in parts of Teresina, where we will work, 3 out of 10 girls become pregnant between the ages of 14 to 19. In addition, in parts of Brazil, 3 out of 5 girls and women have experienced violence in relationships.

A lack of power as a result of gender inequality is one of the main barriers that prevent girls and young women from realising their rights and escaping cycles of poverty. Equality of opportunity in health, education and in the workforce is needed to enable girls to become active citizens; contributing powerfully, as mothers and teachers, as civic and business leaders, to their families and communities.

This cycle requires enormous employee fundraising and its time to do my bit, please dig deep and help me support this fantastic project.

Thank you.