Football Star David Beckham Watches IND Vs NZ Semi-Final, Promotes Equality & Empowerment For Girls At Wankhede. In Pics

Before coming to the stadium, he met children and adolescent boys and girls in Gujarat who are bringing about change and innovation in their communities and young women like Rinku Pravibhai who overcame barriers to pursue their dreams. (Image Source: ICC)

“As father of a young daughter, I was deeply moved to meet Rinku and other young girls who are fighting for change and having a say in their futures,” Beckham, who is here to celebrate UNICEF’s partnership with International Cricket Council (ICC), said. (Image Source: ICC)

At the stadium, Beckham joined legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, UNICEF Regional Ambassador for South Asia, and children to urge the spectators to #BeAChampion for girls and boys to help them equally participate in sport and life’s opportunities. (Image Source: ICC)

Rinku Pravibhai, aged 21, called off her marriage six years ago. She was pressured to drop out of school and get married by her family. After learning about the harmful consequences of child marriage at a UNICEF-supported ‘young girls’ group, she confided her plight to a social worker and stopped her marriage. Today, Rinku is training as a nurse at Banaskantha district in Gujarat. (Image Source: ICC)

During his four-day visit to India, Beckham saw how UNICEF-supported programmes done in partnership with Government of India are making a difference for girls and women. He also joined community workers, government officials and activists who help children continue their schooling, saying no to child marriage and child labour. (Image Source: ICC)