Ever since I started my business as an artist and wedding stationer it has been important to me that the work I do helps others in some way. Since 2023 I have aligned myself with VOW for Girls, a growing global movement that partners with the wedding industry, individuals and brands to end the international marriage crisis.
As a business, I donate monthly to this cause as a recurring donor and I also make an additional donation to VOW for Girls when I work with couples on wedding stationery projects that require bespoke commissions. If you're interested in working with me and would like to find out more about how your wedding stationery can give back to girls under the age of 18 that are at risk of child marriage then please do ask me for more information.
There's lots of information on the VOW for Girls website about how they make a difference and how you can too (whether by making a one off donation or by including donations as items on your wedding gift list). I've included Patricia's Story below and I'm sure that when you read her story, plus the facts about the international child marriage crisis detailed underneath, you'll feel compelled to help in some way just as I did.
Count to three. 1...2...3... A child just became a bride. Twelve million girls a year, some as young as 8, become child brides. That’s where @vowforgirls comes in – a growing global movement that partners with brands and individuals to end the international child marriage crisis. 100% of the funds they raise are invested in underfunded local efforts that advance girls’ rights.
#VOWForGirls is a vow for the future. Join me and take a vow to end child marriage. Check out vowforgirls.org to learn more.
What is child marriage?
- Child marriage is when a girl gets married before she turns 18.
- It happens without her having a say or being ready for marriage.
- Child marriage is when young girls are married off before they are ready.
- This is a big problem that affects millions of girls around the world.
Why does it happen?
- Poverty: Families in poor situations might marry off their daughters early because they can't afford to care for them.
- Tradition: In some places, it's a tradition to marry off girls at a young age.
- Lack of Education: Girls who are not in school are more at risk of being forced into marriage.
Why does it happen?
- Poverty: Families in poor situations might marry off their daughters early because they can't afford to care for them.
- Tradition: In some places, it's a tradition to marry off girls at a young age.
- Lack of Education: Girls who are not in school are more at risk of being forced into marriage.
How Can We Stop Child Marriage?
- Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the harms of child marriage in communities and online.
- Support Education: Encourage girls to stay in school, as education can protect them from child marriage.
- Empower Girls: Give girls the tools and knowledge to make decisions about their own lives.
- Change Laws: Advocate for and support laws that protect girls from child marriage.
100% of the funds raised by VOW for Girls go directly to community-based efforts to end child marriage.