Huffington Post: Building a Brighter Future for Girls Everywhere
Patrick Davies, deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Washington

“…We know that this campaign [to end female genital mutilation and child marriage] can’t be driven by government action alone. I firmly believe we can all play a part in ending FGM and child marriage. In the last few weeks alone thousands of people from around the world have signed a pledge calling for action to be taken to end FGM and child marriage. This includes actors, pop stars, newsreaders, religious leaders, and politicians. For everyone who feels strongly about these issues, we need your voice to keep up the pressure for change. You can also pledge your support and help us build the momentum. Too many girls around the world reach adolescence and find their future is already mapped out. They never have a chance to finish school or get a job, or an opportunity to travel and experience life. It’s time to give these girls the chance to write their own future” (8/4).