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Michelle Obama unveils all-star anthem for Let Girls Learn

Celebrities, Girls' education

A supergroup of nine female singers have teamed up with Michelle Obama to send out the message that education is vital for every girl.

Kelly Rowland, Missy Elliott and Kelly Clarkson are among the stars who perform on a new single called This Is For My Girls.

Proceeds from the song will go to support the global Let Girls Learn initiative, launched by the United States First Lady last year, and its #62MillionGirls campaign.

 

Michelle Obama onstage at the SXSW festival with Sophia Bush and Missy Elliott during a discussion on female empowerment

The song was performed when Mrs Obama took part in a panel discussion at the South by South West (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, on March 16.

She said there are 62 million girls worldwide of school age who are not in school and added: “For me, 62 million girls not getting an education, that is personal.”

Mrs Obama said she had no intention of running for President. During the discussion on empowering women, she said: “There are so many ways to impact the world. You don't have to be president of the United States to do wonderful, marvellous things.”

This Is For My Girls also features the voices of Janelle Monae, former Glee star Lea Michele, Disney Channel star Zendaya, Jadagrace and Chloe & Halle.

Kelly Clarkson tweeted this message: 

Missy Elliott appeared on the SXSW stage with Michelle Obama and actress Sophia Bush, who told how she decided on her 30th birthday to raise money to build a school in Guatemala.

She said one of her tactics was to encourage children to make coffee for their parents each morning and ask them to donate the money they would have spent at a coffee shop

She added: “That's a small way to make a global impact.”

Learn more about Let Girls Learn.

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