Scarlett Johansson Travels Overseas For Humanitarian Efforts

BOSTON (February 27, 2007) — Scarlett Johansson has joined in the fight against poverty, teaming with the international relief agency Oxfam, following a life-changing trip to India and Sri Lanka, Access Hollywood has learned.

During her 10-day visit, Scarlett met with women who?ve survived domestic violence and tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka. She also witnessed first-hand how education and basic health-care can save the lives of millions of poverty-stricken children and families.

“I met a young girl, Gudiya, at a school for Dalit children, a community considered to be the lowest class. She was an amazing, bright young girl, full of ambition and attending the fifth grade. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said ?a government official?. Every morning she rises at 3 a.m. to study and then complete the household chores before walking for half an hour to school. I asked her how she felt she would be able to raise her family and also hold a government position. She responded confidently, ?I can manage.? Her self-pride and drive to succeed was an obvious outcome from her schooling,” Scarlett said.

A long-time supporter of Oxfam, Scarlett was moved by the organization?s response to saving and rebuilding lives following the 2004 tsunami. She traveled with the international development organization to better understand the complex issues facing poor communities and how support and funding from the U.S. and other rich nations can help end poverty.

She began her trip spending a day with young girls at an Oxfam-funded school in rural Uttar Pradesh, India that has enabled over 1,000 poor children from the lowest Dalit caste to gain a basic education. In Delhi she met with survivors of domestic violence who are part of Oxfam?s ?We Can? campaign. Over 800,000 people have joined the campaign to overcome domestic violence, which affects millions of women across South Asia.

In Sri Lanka, she met with Sri Lankan tsunami survivor Bandawathi Maitipe and her son Asela Abeytunga. She is piecing her life together after losing her husband, younger son and tailoring business.

“The devastation both directly and indirectly as a result of the tsunami is overwhelming. A mother who had received aid money to finance her small business and was living with her 25 year-old-son had lost both her husband and younger son as well as their home and tailoring shop, the only source of income. After two years, they are still waiting to be housed, after a long struggle with a landlord from whom they?ve had rented the house for the past fifty years,” Scarlett added. “Afterwards, I went to visit a rural fishing community which Oxfam had fully irrigated, allowing people to live safely in a government development. After hearing such a devastating case that morning, seeing this village thrive gave me a sense of hope and progress. It was an incredible opportunity to see the grass roots approach being taken by non-governmental organizations, such as Oxfam, towards reconstructing the lives of this devastated country.?

Oxfam?s Executive Director, Jeremy Hobbs, said that Scarlett?s involvement was very important in helping gain attention to the solutions to poverty.

“By supporting Oxfam, Scarlett is taking a stand alongside millions of people globally who are working to overcome poverty,? Hobbs said. ?Her support is crucial in helping to show how the smallest donation to Oxfam can mean the world of difference to a poor community.?

For more information, visit oxfamamerica.org.