Bala Devi joins initiative to raise funds for child labourers affected by COVID-19

Indian women's football team forward Bala Devi has joined an initiative to raise funds for child labourers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Bala Devi is the the first Indian woman footballer to ply her trade in a top-flight professional league in Europe. She plays for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League.

Indian women's football team forward Bala Devi has joined a charity initiative to raise funds for child labourers who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 30-year-old striker has been roped in for the initiative by the non-governmental organisation CRY (Child Rights and You). All proceeds from the initiative will go to help provide the children education and amenities.

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“We have always been struggling with child labour...With the pandemic leading to loss of jobs, this will only rise making more children give up their dream of education or playing,” Devi told PTI from her base in Scotland.

“I truly believe every child should have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and always get a chance at education - this is what has inspired me to take up this initiative. I do not have a real life incident but we know that child labour is prevalent around the country,” she added.

Devi, who has played more than 50 international matches since 2005, is the the first Indian woman footballer to ply her trade in a top-flight professional league in Europe. She plays for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League.

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The league is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She had featured in two matches before the suspension of the league.

She added that celebrities working for social causes brings in more response from the society as a whole.

”...being a recognised face helps us to reach out to even more people. The more people joining hands will lead to better resources to help these children,” she said.