Hollywood actor Ashley Judd’s Odisha tour begins tomorrow

Ayaskant Das Published On : Feb 6, 2017 at 7:16 PM Updated On : Feb 6, 2017 at 7:31 PM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 6:

Popular Hollywood actor and global goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Ashley Judd’s four-day visit to Odisha will begin tomorrow.

Miscreants attack councilor’s brother, resort to blank firing at Odisha’s Khallikote

Superstars Yash, Rakshit Shetty cast their votes, underline importance of polling

During her stay in the state, Ashley Judd will be exposed to the rich culture and lifestyle of tribal communities, including the varied art and handicrafts of the state.

Notably, the Hollywood celebrity is a strong promoter of rights of girls and women. She has been travelling around the world to advocate against gender-based violence and discrimination, so that young people can enter their adulthood safely.

UNFPA is implementing the life skills education programme for adolescents in tribal residential schools across the the state. As girls in tribal communities are especially vulnerable, due to high incidence of school dropout, child marriage and teenage pregnancy, the life skills-based programmes supported by UNFPA in this state are specially designed to empower young girls and boys, and help them make informed and appropriate choices in their lives.

Worth mentioning, Ashley will receive the Humanitarian award at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences for her passionate advocacy and commitment towards working against sexual exploitation of girls and women. The award is given annually to personalities with exceptionally high contribution to the society in social and economic fields. Special sessions will also be organised with tribal adolescent girls and boys for Ashley to interact and understand their challenges and aspirations.