International Women's Day

At World Vision, we believe that empowering and educating women is an essential part of fighting poverty across the globe.

Women who can access financial resources or have control over productive assets, like land, are able to make decisions about their lives and meet their families' basic needs. This in turn will often lead to reduced exposure of their children to risks such as gender-based violence, early marriage and sexual exploitation. 

Sadly, in many parts of the developing world, women aren’t given the opportunity to realise their God-given potential. They’re often treated as second-class citizens, subject to gender-based discrimination, abuse, and exploitation. For example, many girls aren’t given the chance to stay in school or pursue their dreams for the future.

What is International Women's Day?

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March to highlight the significance of women and their many contributions and achievements throughout history. It also is a day for reflection that serves as a call to action for greater gender justice in the world.

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is #BreakTheBias. We can break the bias in our communities, workplaces, and schools.

Find out how World Vision is #BreakingTheBias

When women are stable financial contributors to a household, investments in children's health and education increase. Therefore, Women's Economic Empowerment is a key supporting approach of World Vision's work to ensure women can benefit financially and economically alongside men.

We are working with men and women all over the world to ensure women are valued and treated equally. Through our innovative Channels of Hope methodology participants challenge traditional or cultural norms to see men and women as created by God and as equals.

• Read our new Empowered Women, Empowered Children brief – that recommends more women be included in income generation activities and provide mothers with education opportunities connected with future employment.

• Watch how Vocational Training in India empowered young girls in a village.

• Find out how clean water and sanitation near the home help women and their families thrive.