Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has today launched a series of media clips, including 3 video clips and 4 radio clips on girls’ empowerment, in partnership with the British High Commission in Colombo. The awareness clips were launched by the Chief Guest, H. E. Ms. Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Health, at a special event held today in Mookai Hotel. Ms Laura Clarke, Head of South Asia Department of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, and officials from the British High Commission in Colombo also attended the event.
Speaking at the event, Ms Hawla Ahmed Didi, ARC’s Managing Director thanked the British High Commission for their support and generous contribution to advancing the rights of girls and women in the Maldives. She also highlighted the importance of empowering young girls to build a community that stands against gender based violence and gender inequality. The Minister, H. E. Ms. Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Health highlighted the important role the civil society continues to play in empowering girls and women. Ms. Laura Clarke, Head of South Asia Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, expressed that the government of the UK is pleased to have funded such an initiative in the Maldives and highlighted the UK government’s policy of gender inclusive development as a key to achieving global good.
The 3 video clips launched today provide practical tips to prepare young adults for interviews and to submit successful applications for higher studies and jobs, as well as promote the benefits of participating in volunteer work and internships. The audio clips targeted at parents promote the benefits of educating and empowering girls and highlight the contribution to economic development by girls and women. The media clips are part of ARC’s GRACE Campaign which was launched earlier this year, aimed at empowering girls by building their confidence to navigate social, cultural, economic and gender barriers.
As part of the GRACE Campaign, ARC conducts awareness sessions for students and parents from grades 9 to 12. In this regard, in partnership with the British High Commission, ARC has conducted interactive sessions for students and parents of four islands in Dhaalu atoll, between August and September this year. As part of the collaboration with the British High Commission, ARC also plans to conduct outreach sessions in Haa Alifu, Gnaviyani and Seenu Atolls, early next year, as well as launch a campaign specific website for easy access to useful information on areas covered by this awareness campaign.