March 8, 2025 — On International Women’s Day, World Vision reaffirms our commitment to advancing gender equality through scalable, evidence-based programs that equip women and girls to overcome adversity and lead lasting change.
Crises—whether driven by conflict, climate shocks, or economic instability—disproportionately impact women and children. Many are displaced, face food insecurity, or lose access to education and essential services. Girls often leave school to care for siblings or are married early due to financial strain. These challenges reinforce intergenerational cycles of poverty.
At World Vision, we recognize that the most effective way to disrupt these cycles is to invest in women and girls—not only as recipients of aid, but as leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. Our programs address both immediate needs and systemic barriers, delivering results that strengthen families, communities, and economies over time.
When we invest in women and girls, we see impact that multiplies across households and generations. Our approach is grounded in evidence and designed for scale.
Through partnerships with governments, local organizations, and public and private donors, we implement solutions that are contextually appropriate, cost-effective, and built for long-term sustainability.
- In Rwanda, our THRIVE model, implemented in partnership with VisionFund International, has enabled women to increase household income through investments in livestock, agriculture, and small businesses. With access to savings groups and financial tools, families are building more stable futures.
- In Ethiopia, SPIR II, a program funded by the U.S. government and implemented by World Vision, equips women with agricultural and financial skills, enabling them to improve food security and household resilience. Many participants now serve as peer mentors, extending the impact throughout their communities.
- In Cambodia, the USDA-supported CAST project strengthens women’s entrepreneurship in aquaculture by providing training in food safety, business planning, and market engagement. The result: stronger livelihoods and improved nutritional outcomes for families.
- In Central America, the RISE program works with local partners to keep girls in school, provide vocational training, and prevent early marriage—addressing root causes of poverty and inequality.
These programs demonstrate the transformative effect of integrating gender equity into broader development strategies. World Vision’s technical leadership in livelihoods, education, and child protection ensures our work is both effective and aligned with national and global priorities.
Our strategy emphasizes locally led, data-informed interventions that empower women as agents of change. By engaging men, faith leaders, and community structures, we foster environments where girls can thrive, women can lead, and entire communities can become more resilient.
When provided the opportunity, women not only rebuild their own lives, they lift up those around them. When women thrive, families eat, girls stay in school, economies grow, and communities become more resilient.
As we mark International Women’s Day, we invite policymakers and partners to continue advancing proven approaches that equip women and girls with the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to drive change.
We remain committed to scaling what works—because sustainable progress depends on ensuring that women and girls are empowered at every level.
Learn more about how World vision is empowering women and girls through evidence-based development:
