Madonna sells $7m abstract painting to raise money for girls’ education

Madonna has decided to auction an abstract painting by Cubist Fernand Léger to raise up to $7 million for girls' education.

"I want to trade something valuable for something invaluable – Educating Girls!," Madonna said in a statement.

The singer bought the painting, "Trois Femmes a la table rouge", at an auction in 1990 and it is valued at between $5 million and $7 million.

She said she would use the money to fund girls' education projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other places where girls have limited access to schools. The proceeds from the painting will go through the Ray of Light Foundation.

"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," said Madonna.

The painting will be auctioned by Sotheby's in New York on May 7 during an Impressionist and Modern Art sale.

Madonna's announcement comes as the singer touched down in Malawi for her first visit in two years.

More from GlobalPost: Madonna charity met with criticism in Malawi

As Madonna arrived in the birthplace of her two children in a private jet she was hit with criticism over costs and mismanagement of rural schools her charity is building.

Eunice Kazembe, the Malawian education minister, said that Madonna’s charity had overstated their contribution to building 10 new schools.

"When you look at the totality of it, it is helpful, every bit helps, but it is a long shot to call it significant."

The charity also canceled plans to build a 400-student, Oprah-style girls’ academy.