1 in 5 Girls Wed Before They Turn 18. Stacey Abrams and Christina Lauren Join 90 Authors to Help End Forced Marriage (Exclusive)

Stacey Abrams and Christina Lauren Partner to Raise Awareness of Child Marriage

Stacey Abrams, the former Georgia State representative, and bestselling romance author Christina Lauren have collaborated to shed light on the issue of child marriage through their partnership with VOW for Girls. This exclusive campaign, named Every Girl Deserves a Happily Ever After, aims to raise funds for VOW, a non-profit organisation founded by Princess Mabel van Oranje of Orange-Nassau. The campaign has brought together a team of bookstores, publishers, and 90 romance authors to support the cause.

The global issue of child marriage affects millions of young girls, with statistics showing that one in five girls will be married before they turn 18. This not only violates their human rights but also deprives them of education, exposes them to early pregnancies, and increases the likelihood of facing violence. Princess Mabel van Oranje, the founder of VOW for Girls, became impassioned about tackling this issue and has joined forces with Abrams to make a difference.

Abrams, known for her romance novels under the pen name Selena Montgomery, expressed her belief that romance storytelling can be a powerful tool for initiating conversations about important social issues. By merging her love for the genre with her commitment to social justice, Abrams hopes to spark a meaningful dialogue and drive positive change within communities.

Christina Lauren, a celebrated writing duo, emphasised the impact of connecting with readers through romance narratives that champion empowerment and choice. They see the campaign as an opportunity to leverage their influence within the genre to advocate for the rights and future opportunities of young girls affected by child marriage. The campaign has also garnered support from 15 bookstores donating proceeds to the cause.

The collaboration between VOW for Girls and the romance community is significant, considering the genre’s substantial annual revenue and focus on female empowerment. Through the campaign, the aim is to empower girls to lead the lives they choose, free from the constraints of forced marriage. This initiative aligns with the genre’s core principles of resilience, agency, and creating characters who find joy and fulfilment on their terms.

Princess Mabel van Oranje underscored the importance of raising awareness and mobilising resources through the Every Girl Deserves a Happily Ever After campaign. By uniting authors, publishers, and bookstores, the campaign seeks to provide real-life opportunities for girls to shape their destinies and secure a brighter future. The collaborative efforts aim to dismantle societal barriers and ensure that all girls have the freedom to pursue their own happily ever afters.

The partnership between Stacey Abrams, Christina Lauren, and VOW for Girls exemplifies the capacity of literature and storytelling to effect meaningful change. By amplifying the voices of those affected by child marriage and harnessing the power of community engagement, the campaign strives to break the cycle of forced marriages and empower young girls worldwide. This collective endeavour serves as a testament to the transformative impact of advocacy, collaboration, and compassion in addressing complex social issues.

For more information on the Every Girl Deserves a Happily Ever After campaign and how to get involved, visit their official website.