Clay Dunn, CEO of VOW for Girls
Jessica Abo sat down with Clay Dunn. He is the CEO of WISH for girlswho is deeply committed to raising awareness about the pressing issue of child marriage.
Clay visiting partner organizations in Nepal in 2022
Where it all started
Growing up in a poor, rural Kentucky community fuels Clay Dunn’s passion to ensure that no one’s childhood becomes a dead end. “When we give girls the freedom to choose whether and whom they want to marry, we in turn protect their right to education, their health and well-being, and their ability to earn and gain economic independence. Every girl deserves all these things,” he says.
According to Women and Girls Index 2021, every year, 12 million girls under the age of 18 are married into a union that is not rooted in love or choice. This equates to one girl getting married every three seconds.
How it works
VOW for Girls fills the critical funding gap to end child marriage by supporting grassroots organizations directly engaged in empowering young girls in Africa, Asia and Latin America, where child marriage rates are the highest. highest in the world. “We believe these local leaders are in the best position to know what girls in their community need and to provide the solutions best suited to their situation,” says Dunn. Their programs help girls complete their education, understand their rights and make decisions about their own futures. So far, they have awarded grants to more than 175 community organizations. “These partners constantly tell us that a change is happening: girls are standing up for themselves and others like they have never done before in these communities. It’s exciting to see girls knowing their rights, accepting their power and making their own choices about their future,” he says.
Wedding card from a couple’s wedding where they vowed their marriage
A unique way to raise funds
To fund its important work, VOW for Girls has developed a creative fundraising strategy that involves transforming celebrations of love into support for girls at risk. To date, more than 8,000 couples have aligned their weddings in one way or another with their wedding vows. Whether it’s couples asking for donations in addition to or in place of gifts, turning a bridal shower into a fundraiser, donating on behalf of guests in lieu of favors, or gifting their wedding party gifts that give back, there are many ways for people to get involved.
Maggie and Jeremy vowed their marriage.
Dunn says it’s the partnerships formed with diverse stakeholders, such as couples, event professionals and generous brands, who were instrumental in mobilizing funds and support for their mission. VOW for Girls is the wedding charity of choice for many high-profile couples, including Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal who recently donated $1 million to the organization on her big day.
He hopes more people will make their own vow to empower young girls and give them choices for a better future.