I'm Stepping Up for Girls by walking/running 620,000 steps this October which equates to roughly about 445 kilometres. To many seasoned campaigners, this may not seem like much, but it will certainly challenge me. 

Over the years I have always been a supporter of Plan but mostly passive through monthly contributions. Plan's latest campaign "Stepping Up for Girls" struck a nerve and I wanted to do just a bit more. 

Despite years of progress so many girls across the world are still being undervalued, undermined, and underestimated. Held back by damaging gender stereotypes, harassed in public and even sometimes married as children. I am taking on Step up for Girls and raising funds for girls and young women around the world who deserve an equal chance in life. 

For this, I also draw inspiration from my mother who grew up in Southern India - she missed out on many opportunities because she was a girl. Despite that, she has found so many ways to make an impact on the world and the people around her.  She went to college to complete her graduation later on in life, did a journalism degree, wrote for numerous publications, did radio programmes on national radio, published a children's book, worked with me on a cookery blog, qualified as a yoga instructor, sings classical music, and is now learning a new musical instrument. She also records music, edits them, and creates youtube videos. Her interests and ability to adapt, learn new things, show empathy, and desire to make a difference are amazing. I wonder sometimes what she could have achieved if she did not have to face that type of bias when she was young...and had more opportunities!

To sponsor my challenge click on 'Give Now'. All funds raised will go towards Plan International UK who are working to create a just and equal world for children, especially girls. They currently work in over 70 countries including the UK. -£9 is enough to send a girl to school in Nicaragua for a month -£12 could provide a dignity kit to a girl in Mozambique so they can manage their periods the way they choose-£55 could support a Positive Parents group in Tanzania for a year, building up parents as allies against FGM and child marriage. 

Thank you.

Vineeth