In focus: Three, two, one

These three unacceptable global statistics are not as broadly known as they should be.

In about two weeks, on October 11, we have the opportunity to make them more broadly known on International Day of the Girl.

When we come together with one voice — as a community of like-minded individuals who understand that equipping girls and women is vital to the world's future — we are powerful change-agents. 

3-2-1 Scroll down for suggested ways to take action. Are you in?

World Vision: Impact update

It can be overwhelming to read the statistics above. But together, we are making real change happen right now.

In the first six months of fiscal year 2023, we've already reached more than 5 million girls and women through World Vision projects across all sectors and countries, including:

Clean water: 576,608 girls and women have gained access to clean water close to home, greatly reducing the time they spend walking for water could make them sick

Child marriage: 53,129 girls and women have benefited from programs that educated community members, increased protection, and challenged harmful cultural norms including child marriage

Economic opportunity: 106,545 women have gained access to financial services, savings groups, agricultural training, technology, and markets

As you read our complete semi-annual report here, remember: the way to change a statistic is one number, one person at a time — at scale. Thanks to your support, that's exactly what we're doing.

13-year-old Merci (in pink) and her best friend, Sada, at the new clean water taps just a few minutes from their homes in Rwanda. The girls used to hike 90 minutes down steep hillsides to reach a water source.

Partner spotlight:  "It's personal."

A letter from longtime SWSW partner and author Dale Hanson Bourke, whose 12th book, "Strong Girls, Strong World" comes out October 3

When my granddaughter was born, I was smitten. Of course, I thought she was the cutest, smartest, most amazing little girl on the face of the earth. And I was impressed with all the ways in which my son and daughter-in-law cared for her.

But having served on the World Vision board of directors and traveled to many resource-poor countries, I knew there were many other little girls in the world who were just as amazing as my little Evie but would never have the same opportunities as her, simply because of where they were born.

I wrote Strong Girls, Strong World for three reasons:

1.  To show the incredible potential of girls to change the world

2.  To explain the specific ways in which they are held back

3.  To help us all learn practical and effective ways to make a difference and help girls soar

Of course, I believe supporting World Vision is one of the best ways to support girls. But in writing this book and looking at all the other development organizations and their work, I was once again impressed with how World Vision is a leader. From providing clean water, to helping girls go to and stay in school, to economic empowerment, World Vision really does stand out. And the fact that they specifically look at programs through the gender lens makes a profound difference in making sure the needs of girls are specifically addressed.

I hope and pray this book will be a tool to help us all learn how to make the world a better place for girls.

Dale Hanson Bourke with her granddaughter, Evie.

Ways to take action: International Day of the Girl

Raise awareness and use your influence through social media by sharing:

• The statistics above and why they matter to you
• What we're doing about it together as a "Did you know?"
• "I am a girl," a gripping 4-minute glimpse into the life of a girl in extreme poverty (see below)

Leverage your relationships and invest your resources by:

• Registering today for the not-to-be-missed Strong Women Strong World annual event Empower Her in New York City on Friday, December 1. Invite a friend and make an unforgettable weekend out of it.
• Doubling your impact! Every $1 given to the Strong Women Strong World™ Where Most Needed Fund will be matched with a $1 donation to programs that empower women and girls, thanks to a generous SWSW partner.

World Vision's Strong Women Strong World™

helps keep girls and women at the center of global community development, advocacy,

and emergency response work. Together, we can continue making a difference

in the lives of women and girls and accelerate communities’ progress out of poverty.

Learn more and get involved at strongwomenstrongworld.org.