Today, October 11, we come together on International Day of the Girl to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
If current trends continue, global gender equality won't be achieved until the 22nd century. A girl born today will have to wait until her 97th birthday — beyond her expected lifespan — to celebrate an equal society. Girls are disproportionately affected by global crises, conflict, poverty, and the loss of gains made for human rights and equality.
But we know girls are resilient. According to a recent analysis by the U.N., "Girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered."
We're hopeful for the future too! It will take all of us to accelerate progress toward a future in which every girl can reach her God-given potential. Below you'll find some different ways you can take action today!
Raise awareness through social media
Save either of the images below to share to your own social media! Here's some suggested social media copy you can use.
Medium copy: This International Day of the Girl, we come together to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. @StrongWomenStrongWorld_WV has been a leader in #GenderEquality for decades and integrates a gender lens into everything they do. They know that ending extreme poverty won't happen if half the people in the world are held back. Learn more at strongwomenstrongworld.org today.
Short copy: This International Day of the Girl, we come together to promote girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights. @StrongWomenStrongWorld_WV has been a leader in #GenderEquality for decades and integrates a gender lens into everything they do. Learn more at strongwomenstrongworld.org today.
Social media photos:
Use your influence: Speak up about issues affecting girls
We set out with a goal of getting 1,000 girls sponsored by October 11, International Day of the Girl. We are excited to share that we've exceed that goal already, but there are still so many girls who need sponsors. Visit worldvision.org/1000girls if you are interested in being part of this movement.
Partner spotlight: When girls have the opportunity to thrive
A Strong Women Strong World and Next Gen partner impact story by Stephanie Cochlan
Today, we celebrate the International Day of the Girl. Over the past year and a half, this day has taken on a profound significance for me through my growing involvement with World Vision.
About two years ago, I joined World Vision’s Next Gen. Soon after, Next Gen began to focus on responding to the hunger crisis in Somalia — a country I initially knew very little about. As I delved deeper into the issues impacting girls there, I was devastated to learn that many girls often face limited access to education, disproportionate food insecurity, child marriage, early pregnancy, and both psychological and physical abuse.
What struck me even more was how deeply rooted these injustices can be in the culture. As a young woman, I always carry some form of protection and stay vigilant especially when alone, knowing I can call for help if I feel unsafe. But, heartbreakingly, many girls around the world have no one to call and no means to defend themselves. Their suffering is constant, with no escape. That realization fueled my desire to do something meaningful — to be an advocate for these girls, to let them know they are not alone. World Vision gave me the platform to contribute to that mission.
This became especially clear when I had the opportunity to travel to Honduras this past winter. It was there that I saw firsthand how communities can be transformed when girls are empowered with both resources and people who believe in them. When girls have the opportunity to thrive, they do extraordinary things — they learn, they dream, they lead. They don’t just keep those resources to themselves; they share them, multiplying the impact within their communities as they grow.
Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that empowering girls not only uplifts individuals — it transforms entire communities. That’s what I envision for Somali girls — and girls around the world: a future where they are not just survivors, but leaders and change-makers. I hope you’ll join me in this important work!
Stephanie Cochlan (left) visiting a World Vision project area in Honduras.
ICYMI:Strong Women Strong World®: Beyond Access at Concordia Summit
We were honored to be a lead programming partner at the 2024 Concordia Summit. We were joined by Nicholas Kristof (The New York Times), Dr. Bethany Caruso (Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University), Dr. Greg Allgood, and Sherrie Westin (Sesame Workshop) and explored how to accelerate progress for women and girls globally. Watch the recording below!
Ways to join us
Register nowfor the 20th anniversary Strong Women Strong World® event, taking place on December 6, 2024, in New York. Come join us for a special dinner experience to honor past achievements, hear stories of beautiful transformation, and look ahead with excitement at the great opportunities God has called us to! We encourage you to invite friends and family to attend with you.
It ends with her.Join us on October 30, from 9-10 a.m. PT, as we launch our Ending Child Marriage program! You will hear from staff and donor partners and get a sneak peek at our latest resources and video. Save this zoom link. We hope to see you there!
Double your impact!Every $1 given to Strong Women Strong World® will be matched with a $1 donation to programs that empower women and girls, thanks to a generous SWSW partner.
Follow uson social media!
Instagram: @StrongWomenStrongWorld_WV (Note that @StrongWomenStrongWorld_WV is a NEW account! If you were following us before, please follow the new account so you don't miss any exciting news, updates, or announcements.)
