This International Women’s Day, Girl Rising, the global campaign for girls’ education and empowerment, debuts the film Girl Rising: The Fifth Anniversary Edition. This special edition commemorates nine incredible girls whose lives have been changed by the power of education. Acclaimed actor David Oyelowo narrates this edition, which features voice performances from a host of actresses including Meryl Streep, Salma Hayek and Kerry Washington.
“If we are going to create a more just and equal world, men and boys must be part of the solution,” Oyelowo explains. “That’s why I stand with Girl Rising – to hopefully serve as an example and role model for other men. We must be vigilant in our support and continue to stand up and speak out until we see change happen.”
Oyelowo will be honored as a newly-named Girl Rising Ambassador at the film’s March 8 premiere. Known for his roles in films such as Selma, Queen of Katwe and Gringo, he is also a staunch advocate for girls’ education. He created the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship, in conjunction with the GEANCO Foundation, which specifically supports female victims of terror attacks and gender-based inequality.
Celebrated singer and artist Andra Day will also be celebrated as a Girl Rising Ambassador. Her work was featured in the CNN special We Will Rise: Michelle Obama’s Mission to Educate Girls Around the World.
The event, held at Creative Artists Agency, also highlights Girl Rising’s impact to date. The organization has run campaigns and programming in the United States, India, Nigeria, and Democratic Republic of the Congo and continues to scale.
“Organizations around the globe use Girl Rising’s content to drive massive change,” Christina Lowery, CEO of Girl Rising, shared. “This updated film is a more effective tool for those on the frontlines of the fight for equal opportunity for girls.”
Intel, Vulcan Productions and Citi will also attend. As founding partners of Girl Rising, Intel and Vulcan helped lay the groundwork for the organization’s efforts. Citi, a supporter of Girl Rising’s Educator Program, recently signed on as the first leadership sponsor for an new round of Girl Rising media.