Campaigners and celebrities back call to get 130 million girls in school

130 million girls are out of school around the world – that’s more than the entire population of Germany or Japan.

Behind that shocking statistic lie stories of poverty, discrimination and despair. Girls who cannot access education are more likely to become child brides, child labourers or victims of exploitation and sexual violence.

That has to change – and Theirworld has been campaigning for the right of girls to get an education and the chance to shape their own futures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgDDGvp3eCc

Now scores of celebrities and influential leaders are backing a call to world leaders that urgent action is needed to get these 130 million girls into school. 

The Poverty is Sexist letter was launched by the campaigning and advocacy organisation ONE. It will be delivered in person to leaders on March 8 – International Women’s Day.

Among those who have signed are Theirworld President Sarah Brown and campaigners Bono and Bob Geldof. Other signatories include actors Charlize Theron, Ryan Reynolds, Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo.

Musicians and singers Lady Gaga, Yemi Alade, Angelique Kidjo and Afrikan Boy are backing the campaign, alongside Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington and Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook.

See a full list of celebrities and influencers who have signed the letter.

Theirworld’s work on girls’ education includes our #RewritingTheCode campaign and our Code Clubs for girls in several African countries. You can learn more about them below.