Korean actress urges community to empower girls in India

New Delhi [India], Apr 16 (ANI): Noted South Korean actress Baek Jin-hee concluded her visit to India with a call to end girl child discrimination and work towards gender equality. According to her, the plight of Indian girls is no different from girls living in many other countries, adding that concerted efforts are needed to make the world a better place for them. "It is a collective effort, and all of us should work together to alleviate the status of girls in the society. The fight for their empowerment, social justice and equality must not be limited to one nation only. I hope that one day all Indian girls have the opportunity to get good education and live in a secure environment," she said. During her visit, Baek interacted with girls from marginalised sections of society, motivating them about education, personal hygiene and self-dependence. She also took part in NGO Plan India's programmes and several volunteering activities, including planting of tree saplings. For the unversed, she is the ambassador for 'Because I am a Girl' (BIAAG) campaign in Korea, a global initiative that promotes girls' rights, girl empowerment and end to injustice. She visited to India for the first time on the invitation of Plan India, an International Ngo working for child development, around the world. On her visit to India, Bhagyashri Dengle, executive director, Plan India said, "We are extremely happy to have Baek Jin-hee to visit the Plan programmes in India as she is a role model for millions of girls around the world. Being the ambassador of the 'Because I am a Girl campaign' for Plan International, Korea she is an intrinsic part of a global initiative that addresses issues of gender inequality and promotes rights of girls." Baek Jin Hee is best known for her award-winning performance as the devious Empress Tanashiri in the 2013 hit period drama 'Empress Ki.' She won 'Best New Actress' award for this movie, at the 2013 MBC Drama Awards and 'Best New Actress' award at the 2014 Baeksang Arts Awards. She is also known for movies like 'Festival' (2010), 'Pride and Prejudice' (2014) and 'Rockin' on Heaven's Door' (2013). (ANI)