Did you notice that more and more men are painting a single fingernail? It might seem like a passing trend, but there’s actually a deeper significance behind this act. It’s a way for these men to send a meaningful message and raise awareness about a serious issue that affects children worldwide.

Celebrities like Zac Efron, Liam Hemsworth, and Chris Hemsworth have proudly joined the Polished Man project, which aims to shed light on the shocking statistic that one in five children experience physical and/or sexual violence before the age of 18. By painting a nail, these men are standing in solidarity with the countless innocent children who have been affected by abuse.

The inspiration for this movement came from a powerful encounter. Elliot Costello, the founder of the Polished Man project, met a young girl named Thea while volunteering in Cambodia. Through spending time with Thea, Elliot learned about the widespread issue of child abuse that knows no boundaries.