If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve likely come across countless videos of women sharing their non-traditional wedding plans. From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world?
This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Dutch Princess Mabel van Oranje, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying ‘I do,’ couples can empower millions of young girls to say ‘I do’ to a brighter future.
The Urgency of the Issue
Child marriage is a devastating issue that affects 12 million girls each year. That’s one girl every three seconds who is stripped of her rights to education, health, and choice. Once married, these girls face increased risks of domestic violence, early pregnancy, and a lifetime of poverty. It’s a cycle that traps them and their future generations in a web of disadvantage. The need for intervention is immediate and critical.
How Couples Can Make a Difference
VOW for Girls offers couples various ways to incorporate this mission into their wedding celebrations. The options are flexible, allowing couples to choose what fits best with their vision for their day. Here’s how they can get involved:
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Donations Instead of Gifts: Couples can request donations to VOW for Girls in lieu of traditional wedding gifts. This direct support goes a long way in funding programs that fight child marriage.
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Fundraising Events: Hosting a fundraising event, such as a silent auction or a pre-wedding charity run, is another engaging way to raise awareness and funds. These events not only contribute financially but also educate guests about the cause.
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Wedding Registry Donations: Adding a donation option directly to the wedding registry ensures that a portion of the gifts received goes toward ending child marriage. This can be a seamless and meaningful addition to any registry.
Where the Money Goes
Every pound raised through VOW for Girls helps fund local organisations that are making a tangible difference in the fight against child marriage. These organisations work in countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where child marriage rates are the highest. They focus on providing education, life skills, and resources to empower girls to make their own choices about their futures. By addressing the root causes and offering alternatives, these programmes help create a world where girls are free to choose their own path.
A Growing Movement
To date, over 8,000 couples have ‘taken the VOW’ and turned their weddings into powerful statements against child marriage. This movement is growing, with more and more couples choosing to use their wedding day as a platform for change. By taking the VOW, they are helping to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond their own celebration.
Ready to Take the VOW?
If you’re planning a wedding and want to make a meaningful impact, consider incorporating VOW for Girls into your celebration. By doing so, you’ll not only be marking a significant moment in your life but also helping to change the lives of millions of girls around the world.
Ready to make a difference? Register your wedding and take the VOW today. Your love story could be the start of a better future for countless girls in need.