Hi John - Throughout the world, millions of children are being robbed of their potential because of the simple fact that they are girls. These are girls like Shumi, a 15-year old from Bangladesh. Her parents were going to marry her to a man she had never met in the hope she might have a better future. But Shumi wanted to finish school to achieve her dreams. Girls around the world deserve the chance to choose their own futures and be free from violence and abuse. As world leaders gather (mostly virtually) for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this month, we need U.S. government leaders to act for girls. Tell your members of Congress – we need to do more to fight gender-based violence against girls! The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the inequities girls worldwide face. Estimates are that 6 months of lockdown due to COVID-19 will lead to 13 million additional child marriages in coming years.[1] And being confined with abusers without access to support services is leading to a shocking increase in violence against girls. Thankfully, because of programs that support and empower girls, Shumi had an ally. Jasmin, a 19-year-old peer leader trained by Save the Children, runs an advocacy group for girls in their village. She helped Shumi convince her family that she didn’t need to be married and should instead complete her studies. Millions of girls around the world could benefit from this kind of support. Girl champions will be attending UNGA virtual events to share their stories, and demand that the international community address gender-based violence during the COVID pandemic. We can support their efforts by urging Congress to increase funding to prevent gender-based violence. Tell your members of Congress – we must act to end gender-based violence! Thank you for being a voice for kids, | 
