Many female artists have used their platforms to participate in charity work, speaking out for and providing aid to developing countries in need. Here are four female artists you may not know who contributed to the development of countries in the developing world.

Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson is a Swedish pop artist who made her international debut in 2015, known for many hit songs including “Lush Life,” “Ain’t My Fault,” and “Never Forget You.” She has contributed to the development of countries in multiple ways, including her partnerships with Operation Smile and (RED), as well as her support for UNICEF.

Operation Smile is an organization that provides free cleft lip surgeries and comprehensive care to children whose families can not afford it. These surgeries are important as cleft lips cause feeding and speech complications, extremely short life expectancy and other serious issues. In 2018, Larsson spent her 21st birthday fundraising for the organization and volunteering with it in Ghana.

In 2018, the company Durex collaborated with (RED) (an organization that fights against global health injustices) to fundraise for the Keeping Girls in School program in South Africa. The program “aims to reduce new HIV infections and pregnancies among young women through encouraging girls to stay in education and improving access to sexual health and reproductive services.”

Larsson, alongside other celebrities and influencers, participated in a short film to encourage people to support this fundraiser. Additionally, she has participated in an exclusive livestream concert in collaboration with the brand IKEA, where she encouraged fans to donate to UNICEF.

Kehlani Ashley Parrish

Parrish is an American singer, songwriter and dancer known for multiple trending songs, including her hits “Nights Like This” and “Folded.” She has also supported developing countries through her song “Next 2 U,” using merchandise sales tied to the release to raise $555,000. The proceeds were donated to Operation Olive Branch, a platform that provides support to people in Gaza, as well as to communities in Sudan and the Congo.

Rachel Agatha Keen (RAYE)

RAYE is a London-based singer-songwriter best known for hits like “Escapism,” “Where Is My Husband?,” and “Prada.” RAYE is one of many female artists who are supporting developing countries by working with Global Citizen, an advocacy platform that aims to end extreme poverty globally. At Global Citizen’s annual festival, fans earn access to tickets by taking actions, such as signing petitions or completing tasks on the Global Citizen website, rather than paying for them. RAYE has supported Global Citizen by performing at its 2024 festival.

Alice Suki Waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse is an English actress, model and singer and the wife of “Twilight” actor Robert Pattinson. The “Good Looking” singer has supported developing countries through her involvement with Facing the World.

Facing the World is an organization that is dedicated to helping children with facial disfigurements in Vietnam. Additionally, she has attended the 2014 UNICEF U.K. Halloween Ball to help fundraise for children in Syria.

Final Remarks

Larsson, Kehlani, RAYE and Waterhouse are four or many female artists supporting developing countries. Indeed, they use their platforms to help those in need. 

– Renata N Hirmiz

Renata is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr