Hollywood actor Ashley Judd to visit Odisha on February 7

BHUBANESWAR: Hollywood actor Ashley Judd, the UNFPA goodwill ambassador, will be in Odisha on a four-day visit from February 7 to 11. Judd will visit various tribal schools in the state where UNFPA is implementing programmes aimed at empowering young people, and promoting sexual and reproductive health of women and girls.
“Ashley Judd has been travelling around the world to advocate against gender-based violence and discrimination, so that young people can enter their adulthood safely,” said an officer in UNFPA, Odisha office.
UNFPA is implementing the life skills education programme for adolescents in tribal residential schools across the state of Odisha. As girls in tribal communities are especially vulnerable, due to high incidence of school dropout and child marriage, 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.
During her stay in Odisha, Ashley Judd will be exposed to the rich culture and lifestyle of tribal communities, including their varied art and handicrafts. Special sessions will also be organised with tribal adolescent girls and boys for Ashley to interact and understand their challenges and aspirations.
She will receive the Humanitarian award at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) 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.