ATLANTA (March 5, 2020) – This International Women’s Day, leading global humanitarian and development organization CARE has partnered with the women of Scandal — Kerry Washington, Bellamy Young, Katie Lowes and series creator Shonda Rhimes — for a new PSA that calls out the many obstacles women experience and underscores the powerful things women can achieve when given the opportunity to reach their full potential. The video is part of CARE’s #WomenEqual campaign to raise awareness of the millions of women and girls around the world who are currently living in humanitarian crises, conflicts, and emergencies. For decades, CARE has led innovative global programs focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment that ignite transformational change for women and girls through economic opportunities, and greater investments in health, education, and dignified work.
“I am proud to stand next to my Scandal family to support a cause I deeply believe in,” said actor and CARE Ambassador Bellamy Young, who orchestrated this reunion and directed the PSA. “We need to continue to shine a spotlight on gender inequality around the world and fight to lift up the voices of women and girls who are too often silenced.”
“It is an honor to tell the stories of women who have endured unimaginable pain and emerge from it with grace and resolve to make the world better,” said Kerry Washington. “I’m so grateful to be a part of this campaign and hope that it inspires others to join us in the fight on behalf of women and girls everywhere.”
The campaign calls on people to take action by signing a petition at www.care.org/womenequal in support of the Safe From The Start Act, legislation which would require all U.S. humanitarian programs overseas to prioritize the needs of women and girls and open opportunities for them to lead in their communities.
In addition to the PSA, CARE will release individual videos narrated by Kerry, Bellamy, Katie and Shonda that tell the real life stories of four women who fled emergencies in their home countries in search of safety and security only to encounter additional burdens because of their gender. The first-person accounts illustrate just how resilient women are in the face of the world’s greatest challenges and prove that when women have access to the proper tools, they can build a thriving future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
“As a storyteller, I am honored to give a voice to powerful stories of hope and resilience, often shedding a light on issues women face every day. This campaign illustrates that when women come together, and share their stories, we can ignite change for women and girls around the world,” said Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes.
“I stand with CARE and the work they’re doing globally to empower women and girls and ensure their safety,” said Katie Lowes. “The #WomenEqual campaign is an important step in the continued fight against gender inequality, and I’m hopeful that if we all come together, we can make real change.”
“Throughout its run, Scandal spotlighted strong, passionate, successful women forging their own paths, often in the face of crisis. They showed audiences everywhere that women equal leaders and changemakers. This is what CARE’s work is all about, ensuring women and girls everywhere live out their potential for contribution,” said Michelle Nunn, President & CEO of CARE. “Just like in Scandal, where the women could accomplish more together, I know that together with Bellamy, Kerry, Shonda and Katie’s support, we can help bring awareness to ensure that women and girls around the world have the opportunity to grow, learn, achieve, and lead.”
As part of this International Women’s Day Scandal reunion, fans can watch a Facebook Live conversation between Bellamy Young and her former co-star, actor/director Tony Goldwyn on March 5 at 1:20pm ET. They will discuss the need for men to participate in fight for gender equality at https://www.facebook.com/carefans/.
This International Women’s Day, join CARE and the chorus of people coming together to say that in the face of the world’s greatest challenges, we must make #WomenEqual. Visit www.care.org to learn more.