* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
LONDON, 22nd July 2014: Children's charity Plan International has today pledged to raise more than £21 million (€27.3m) to stop child marriage across Africa and Asia.
The commitment comes as the ground-breaking Girl Summit - aimed at tackling violence against girls - gets underway in London.
Organisers hope the event, the first of its kind, will mobilise efforts to end child marriage and female genital mutilation in a generation.
Plan’s Because I am a Girl campaign has already reached 58 million girls worldwide to date, including work to eradicate both practices.
Now, the organisation is pledging to raise more than £21 million for its work to stop child marriage, as well as increasing funding for FGM projects.
'We believe it is important to take a lead on FGM and child marriage, and end these practices,' said Nigel Chapman, ceo of Plan International.
‘All girls have the right to live without fear of violence or forced marriage, to go to school, and to fulfil their potential.
'We must make sure that girls know their rights and that communities are educated about the risks of FGM and forced marriage. By pledging these extra funds we are showing our absolute commitment to stopping violence against girls,' added Chapman.
Plan, in partnership with EMpower, Mama Cash and Stars Foundation, is alsoannouncing an annual Global Girls Award, which will be investing $1 million(£600,000) in grassroots organisations working with and for girls.
More than 125 million girls and women have undergone FGM around the world, while a girl is married every two seconds.
Child brides and FGM survivors are among the most vulnerable girls in the world – suffering adverse health and limited opportunities.
Today’s Girl Summit, hosted by Home Secretary Theresa May MP and International Development Secretary Justine Greening MP, will aim to secure new commitments from the private sector, faith leaders, civil society and governments.
The event will also share success stories, including FGM and child marriage survivors who now successfully campaign in their own communities.
Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto will attend the Girl Summit in her role as global ambassador for Plan’s Because I am a Girl campaign.
