Jessica Abo sat down with Clay Dunn. He is the CEO of VOW for Girls, which is deeply committed to raising awareness about the pressing issue of child marriage.
Where It Began
Growing up in a poor, rural community in Kentucky fuels Clay Dunn’s passion for ensuring no one’s childhood becomes a dead-end. “When we give girls the freedom to choose whether and whom to marry, we in turn protect their right to education, their health and wellbeing, and their ability to earn money and build economic independence. Every girl deserves all of these things,” he says.
According to the Women and Girls Index 2021, every year 12 million girls under 18 are married in a union that is not rooted in love or choice. That equates to a girl being married every three seconds.
How It Works
VOW for Girls addresses the critical funding gap to end child marriage by supporting grassroots organizations directly engaged in empowering young girls in Africa, Asia and Latin America where child marriage rates are at the highest globally. “We think these local leaders are in the best position to know what girls in their communities need, and to bring forwards solutions that are best for their situation,” Dunn says. Their programming helps girls complete their education, understand their rights and make decisions about their own futures. So far they have provided grants to more than 175 community-based organizations. “We consistently hear from those partners that change is happening: girls are advocating for themselves, and one another, in ways they never have before in those communities. It’s exciting to see girls know their rights, embrace their power and make their own choices about their futures,” he says.
A Unique Way to Fundraise
To fund their important work, VOW for Girls has developed a creative fundraising strategy that involves turning celebrations of love into support for girls at risk. To date, more than 8,000 couples have aligned their weddings in some way with VOW. From couples asking for donations in addition to, or instead of, gifts to turning a bridal shower into a fundraiser, donating on behalf of guests in lieu of favors, or gifting their wedding party with gifts that give back, there are many ways people get involved.
Dunn says it’s the partnerships formed with various stakeholders, such as couples, event professionals and generous brands, that have been instrumental in mobilizing funds and support for their mission. VOW for Girls has been the wedding charity of choice for many high-profile couples including Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal who recently donated $1 million to the organization in conjunction with their big day.
He hopes more people make their own vow to empower young girls and provide them with choices for a brighter future.
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