BECAUSE I AM A GIRL

Girl Power in the Third World and elsewhere.

Presented in support of the “Because I am a Girl” initiative, which was co-founded by McCarney under the aegis of the international children’s aid organization Plan, this takes as its foundation the organization’s eight-point manifesto. The book offers a mix of uplifting personal testimonials and disquieting statistics on girls’ education, forced marriage and slavery in, mostly, developing countries. Color photos aplenty depict girls and young women—most identified by a first name that is changed at need for their protection—in dozens of countries (Canada included) working, going to school or posing with confident smiles. Though the narratives are all written in the same style and voice, they relate individually distinct tales of girls courageously speaking out and setting their eyes on the prize of an education in the face of family responsibilities, extreme poverty, sexual assault and other obstacles. Readers inspired to pledge direct or indirect support (or, for that matter, check the statistics) will have to look elsewhere for advice and leads to further information, but the urgency of the cause and the triumphs of these small victories are compellingly expressed.

A clear call for change as well as a chorus of affirmation that change is possible.