On Thursday 8th October, girls from India and South Africa met online to share their demands with each other; it was a chaotic but fantastic time connecting up girls and young women thousands of miles apart but with many common experiences. They also heard demands drafted by girls in Burundi.

“During these times, Karunalaya staff came to us, to hear about our situation. They told us not to be afraid, and I was encouraged by their advice. This comforted us very much.” As we launch our autumn Don’t Stop Now! Appeal, read about one young 14 year-old girl and her family in India who are receiving support from our partner Karunalaya. Amos’ On Her Terms Lead Karin Joseph writes.

“We launched our Emergency Coronvirus Appeal following the lockdown of Bethlehem. Since then, we have sent through 12 emergency payments of £2,000 each. These have gone to our 3 partners on the West Bank and to our partners in South Africa, India, Nicaragua and Tanzania.” Chris Rose writes about how money from our Emergency Coronavirus Appeal is been spent.

“As much of a challenge as we may all be finding the lockdown — which now has more than a fifth of the world’s population living under varying degrees of ‘stay at home’ orders — for those living on the streets, the Coronavirus pandemic is no less terrifying, but the ability to self-isolate or #StayAtHome is not an option available to them. ‘Home’ is on the streets, in abandoned buildings, or temporary structures open to the elements.” Amos’ Director Chris Rose and On Her Terms Lead, Karin Joseph write.

“If you respect us, you’ll listen to us. If you listen to us — you’ll protect us. Please protect us.” Safety for girls on the street is a daily struggle and the options open to them are often slim; many families decide that child marriage is the safest option for their teenage daughters. On Her Terms Lead Karin Joseph shares her experience of a recent visit to Karunalaya, Amos’ partner in Chennai, India.