On 18 May, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kristian Jensen, granted DKK 65 million to the civic society foundation AmplifyChange.
The foundation supports civic societies in developing countries, which work to counter female circumcision, abortion and child marriages.
The pledge was made at the WomenDeliver conference at the event ‘Voices for Change’, which was also attended by H.R.H. Crown Princess Mary.
“Civic society plays an incredibly important role in the work to promote the rights of girls and women in the entire world. AmplifyChange enables women to understand and fight for their rights concerning child marriages, abortion, female circumcision and violence against women”, states Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kristian Jensen.
Denmark is a co-founder of the foundation alongside the Netherlands and two American, private foundations: the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation and the David & Lucille Packard Foundation. Since the beginning, Norway and Great Britain along with private corporation, Viiv Healthcare, have signed up as contributors.
“This is a good and important example of a co-operation between the private sector and public development bodies. I will work for more of this type of partnerships. They are severely needed, if we are to meet the 17 new Global Goals to remove poverty, create equality, etc.”, says Kristian Jensen.
Since its inception, AmplifyChange has approved 182 projects in 151 countries. With the new contribution, Denmark has so far contributed a total of DKK 232.2 million; this makes Denmark the largest contributor, followed by Great Britain.
The foundation was launched in September 2014 by the Crown Princess during the UN General Assembly.
For additional coverage: Please contact Mr. Poul Kjar, (+45)41865975.