David Beckham said “I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers and that should be the case for all girls everywhere” as he was recognised as a cultural leader.
The ex-England footballer was honoured with a Crystal Award at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Switzerland on Monday, for his “extraordinary leadership and humanitarianism” in protecting “the rights of the most vulnerable children”.
On route to collecting the award, Unicef goodwill ambassador Beckham hugged Melanie Brown, the former Spice Girls bandmate of his wife Victoria Beckham – with whom he shares four children.
“Today, there are more children in need and at risk than any time in recent history, and it is always the most vulnerable children who face the biggest challenges – especially girls,” 49-year-old Beckham said on stage.
“Girls are held back by poverty, girls are held back by violence, girls are held back by discrimination.
“I’m lucky enough to be a father of three boys and one beautiful girl.
“I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers, and that should be the case for all girls everywhere.
“Being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, and who you can become.”
