David Beckham
Football star campaigns against child marriage in India
David Beckham poses with young people in Gujarat, India.
© UNICEF
David Beckham traveled to India this week. There, the soccer star campaigns against child marriage, among other things.
On Instagram wrote the 48-year-old: “It was an impressive few days here in Gujarat. It was a great privilege to see the work of Unicef on site with my own eyes.”
According to a statement from Unicef, Beckham met in Gujarat with social workers, government officials and activists who help children continue their education and fight against child marriage and child labor, among others. The father of four was apparently particularly touched by the story of a 21-year-old who successfully resisted a forced marriage at the age of 15 and is now studying to become a nurse. “As a father of a young daughter, it touched me very much to meet Rinku and other young girls who are fighting for change at a young age and can have a say in their future,” the Brit is quoted as saying. “Rinku is a role model for other girls who want to complete their education and fulfill their potential.”
Visiting the cricket stadium
At a youth center in Ahmedabad, Beckham also met a 12-year-old cricketer who is the only girl in her team. Sport has always been a good way to promote opportunities for children, said Beckham. “Sport encourages participation, breaks gender stereotypes and is a powerful way to help girls achieve their dreams.”
As part of his trip, David Beckham also attended the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup in India along with Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar (50) and a group of children. “What an incredible atmosphere,” he wrote afterwards on Instagram for a series of photos from the stadium.
David Beckham has been working as a Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef since 2005 and, with his “7 Fund”, founded in 2015, is primarily committed to combating bullying, violence, child marriage and missed educational opportunities.