Well, being an Ambassador for ONE Campaign, I receice a mail from Waje asking me to download Strong Girl’ a new anthem that celebrates the power of girls and women to fight extreme poverty. Poverty is Sexist project launched in April by ONE in Africa.
” I am joined by my superstar sisters Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Victoria Kimani (Kenya), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Arielle T (Gabon), Gabriela (Mozambique), Selmor Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe) and Judith Sephuma (South Africa) as well as an exciting new talent from South Africa, 14-year old Blessing.” She explained.
Read the full message below
Dear DOTUN,
I’ve got something really exciting to share with you. As a ONE member, today you can be one of the first people to hear a brand new musical collaboration that has united nine female artists from across Africa for an important cause that’s close to my heart.
‘Strong Girl’ is a new anthem that celebrates the power of girls and women to fight extreme poverty. I am joined by my superstar sisters Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Victoria Kimani (Kenya), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Arielle T (Gabon), Gabriela (Mozambique), Selmor Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe) and Judith Sephuma (South Africa) as well as an exciting new talent from South Africa, 14-year old Blessing.
I already knew that girls and women are hit hardest by extreme poverty, and given fewer opportunities to work their way out. But it shocked me to learn just how difficult life is for women in the poorest parts of the poorest countries.
What gives me hope is the fact that when girls and women are given the chance to reach their full potential, they lift their families, communities and even countries out of poverty faster.
Whilst we were all together writing and recording the song, we talked about what it means to be a strong girl or woman in Africa today. And we realised that for all women to unlock the power we all have inside us, we need the support of others – our mothers and fathers, husbands and friends, fellow citizens and African leaders.
This song is a rallying cry for you to put pressure on your leader to invest in girls and women in the poorest countries in 2015, the African Union Year of Women’s Empowerment. The petition reads:
Dear African leaders,
This year we can commit to ending extreme poverty – but we will only achieve this if we unlock the full potential of millions of girls and women. I’m counting on you to take the necessary action that leads to real change.
Sign the petition and get a free download of ‘Strong Girl’ now.
Thank you,
Waje, singer and ONE member.