Comedian Katherine Ryan presents charity gala to help world’s poorest girls

A host of celebrities came together tonight for an evening of celebration and fundraising, at Plan International UK’s Because I am a Girl Gala Dinner, presented by comedian Katherine Ryan.

TV presenter Julia Bradbury, singer Eliza and Chelsea Ladies player Eniola Aluko joined stars at the event to support Plan International UK’s work to help millions of the world’s poorest girls who are discriminated against just because of their gender.

“As a supporter of Plan International I know the charity is already improving the lives of millions of girls around the world,” said Katherine Ryan “I think it’s important to remember that many of the girls Plan International is helping are very far from the UK, and it can be easy to push their struggle from our minds. But tonight is all about giving those girls a voice.

“I’m delighted to be here and hope that after tonight many more girls around the world will have the opportunity to have their voices heard and build a brighter future for themselves.”

Guests were transported to Sierra Leone during an exclusive preview of Plan International’s new virtual reality film, ‘Mamie’s dream’.

The film follows the true story of a 22-year-old woman who has fought to make her dream of becoming financially independent reality. She is set to become one of very few female teachers in her community, thanks to help from Plan International. The film is due to be launched this summer as part of the charity’s Because I am a Girl campaign.

Attendees at the event, hosted at Landing Forty Two of The Leadenhall Building in London, otherwise known as the ‘Cheesegrater,’ also bid on prizes, including a guitar signed by Coldplay and shorts worn by singer songwriter Eliza during her first ever tour, in a lively auction led by former Sotheby’s auctioneer, Edward Rising.

Chart topper Eliza closed the evening with an exclusive performance. The ‘Pack Up’ singer has supported Plan International UK for more than 15 years and currently sponsors two girls in Ethiopia through the charity.

Tanya Barron, Chief Executive of Plan International UK, said: “Our vision is for a world where girls can realise their rights, live a life free from violence, and get the education they need to become powerful forces for change. But only through the generosity of our supporters will we be able to achieve this change. Money raised this evening will help improve the lives of girls around the world.” 

Around the world, 62 million girls are kept from going to school, often because of violence. Every two seconds, a girl is forced into marriage. And 130 million women and girls bear the scars of FGM. Plan International is working to put a stop to this through its Because I am a Girl campaign, the world’s biggest campaign for girls’ rights.