Raising awareness of the girls and women who live in the slum communities in Kolkata and West Bengal.
The Hope Foundation was founded by Cork woman Maureen Forrest who wants to celebrate the positive outcomes for young women in the slum communities of KolKata and West Bengal – many who have literally grown up with The Hope Foundation. “HOPE supports and empowers women and girls of all ages to reach their full potential. Our main aim is the health and safety of these young girls and women; followed by education, equality, and vocational training to ensure they have independent, fulfilling lives” Maureen said.
On International Women’s Day Hope is asking its supporters to raise a hand for women and girls everywhere and to share out their photos on social media. “We have asked our staff, supporters, ambassadors and members of the public to take a photo or short video with #SHEis followed by a word written on their hand that means something to them, not only with regards to HOPE’s support of Indian girls and women, but also supporting the message of IWD this year which is gender equality for today for a sustainable tomorrow”, said Jennifer Foran Smyth, Fundraising & Communications Manager for The Hope Foundation.
The amazing story of ‘HOPE’ began in 1999 with one protection home for girls and has now grown to over 60 on-the ground projects that work with girls and women in the areas of protection, health, emergency response, life skills, vocational training, awareness & capacity building.
One of HOPE’s success stories is the story of Anandi. Her father being a daily wage earner was finding it very difficult to rear a family of four with two daughters. As an embroidery worker he could earn very little to cover the basic needs of the family. Fortunately, Anandi’s mother came across the information about HOPE’s sponsorship programme. Anandi was sponsored as a child and turned out to be a very bright student. She graduated with flying colours. Now, she works as an accountant in a hospital in Kolkata. Through the power of education, Anandi has successfully broken the cycle of poverty.
“Supporting women and girls to gain empowerment, education and ultimately to assist them to lead safe, independent lives is always important but feels even more powerful on this, International Women’s Day. I would ask all women to get behind this campaign, upload your photo or video and text to donate this IWD on the 8th of March” said Anna Daly, TV presenter, who is the Ambassador behind the #SHEis campaign.
If you would like to support the #SHEis campaign, take a photo/video with #SHEis written on your hand with a word that illustrates gender equality, share on social media with #SHEis; text 4HOPE TO 50300 to donate €4. (Text costs €4. The Hope Foundation will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline 01 481 9311). You can also donate online by visiting www.hopefoundation.
A video for the campaign is available to download on this link: https://vimeo.com/683273736
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Media Contact: Helen O Dwyer | PR1 | 086 2332725 | helen@pr1.ie
Notes to the Editor:
The Hope Foundation (HOPE) is an Irish charity supporting overseas development and tackling humanitarian issues in Kolkata, India.
It is estimated that up to 250,000 children are forced to exist on the streets and in the slums of Kolkata (Calcutta). The Hope Foundation (HOPE) was established in Ireland by Irish humanitarian Maureen Forrest in 1999 to help these children, their families and the communities in Kolkata.
Twenty three years on HOPE now provide support to over 60 projects including education, primary healthcare, child protection, children’s shelters, vocational training and drugs rehabilitation. With offices in Cork, Dublin, UK, USA and India, HOPE also works with local Indian NGOs to rescue thousands of children from the streets and slums of Kolkata.
The Hope Foundation is a registered Irish charity (CHY 13237) and is governed by the Dóchas Code of Corporate Governance. The HOPE Honorary Director, Maureen Forrest, does not take a salary.
For more information see www.hopefoundation.ie and follow us on Instagram @the_hope_foundation, Facebook https://www.facebook.
