Iconic pop singer Madonna US superstar Madonna is donating $7.2 million to promoting girls’ education rights in the Middle East and South Asia. The money comes from the sale of a Cubist painting by French artist, Fernand Léger in 1921. The work of art was sold at a Sotheby’s sale of Impressionist and Modern art in New York on Tuesday.
All the proceeds will go to the entertainer's Ray of Light Foundation, which supports girls' education projects in the Middle East and South Asia – including Pakistan, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
“Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen! Art equals Revolution!” Madonna wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday. The post was accompanied by a smiling picture of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl and education activist who was shot by members of the Taliban last year.
“I hope to make many girls smile like Malala all around the world!” Madonna wrote.
"I cannot accept a world where women or girls are wounded, shot or killed for either going to school or teaching in girls' schools. We don't have time to be complacent," Madonna said in a statement last month.
"I want to trade something valuable for something invaluable - educating girls!"
The songstress is known for her dedicated charity work around the world. Madonna has two adopted children from Malawi where she has previously helped build and restore ten schools.