Kalpana grew up in poverty in Bangladesh, and her family was often avoided because people knew they would ask for help. But thanks to World Vision’s child sponsorship program, Kalpana was able to get an education and support she needed through communitywide programs. Today, she works as a lawyer, helping vulnerable women and children, and she and her family are respected in their community.
News & Stories
Girls and Women
Prayers
Matthew 25: Prayer for women and girls
God creates every girl with dignity and potential — but around the world, millions of them are held back by poverty and injustice. Join us as we pray for every woman and girl to be able to live the abundant life God intends for them.
Prayers
Matthew 25: Prayer for children’s education
Join us in prayer for children everywhere to gain the education, wisdom, and discernment they need to reach the fullness of life God intends for them.
Change Makers
7 ways to empower women and girls
Women’s empowerment helps creates a world where women and girls have equal rights to engage in society, education, politics, and the economy. Discover seven impactful ways to foster women’s equality and empowerment, both locally and around the world.
Prayers
Matthew 25: Prayer for clean water for the thirsty
703 million people around the world don’t have access to clean water — that’s one in 10 people. Join us in prayer for children and families who are thirsty and lack this most basic necessity.
From the Field
6 facts about female genital mutilation (FGM)
Here are six facts you should know about female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful cultural practice which at least 200 million women and girls in as many as 30 countries have already undergone. Millions more girls are at risk.
From the Field
In photos: 23 moments to remember
In 2023, the harsh realities of conflict, displacement, natural disaster, and extreme hunger impacted the lives of millions of people worldwide. As World Vision responded, we witnessed moments of both hardship and hope. See the incredible images of resilience, determination, and even joy that World Vision’s communicators were able to capture in this extraordinary year.
Voices
From the World Vision U.S. president: Water for the win
World Vision U.S. President and CEO Edgar Sandoval Sr. joyfully shares how World Vision has reached completed a project called “Finish the job” by reaching 1 million people with clean water in Rwanda.
From the Field
A dream unbroken: Sumaiya’s stand against child marriage
In northern Bangladesh, Sumaiya faced the all-too-common prospect of child marriage when she was 16, a practice still prevalent in her region. With her parents working in a different town, her grandparents, under financial strain, arranged for her marriage. Through Sumaiya’s determination and involvement with her adolescent club, part of a World Vision initiative promoting social justice and education for girls, the marriage was called off, and Sumaiya is helping other girls in her community experience more hopeful futures.
From the Field
Sarafina’s story: From impoverished to resilient businesswoman
Sarafina wanted her children to have a bright future — built upon the foundation of education. But she and her husband struggled to pay for their children’s schooling and dealt with marital conflict as a result. When World Vision started savings groups in her community, Sarafina was one of the first to sign up. With the tools she’s learned through the training and the confidence she’s gained from running her own business, she now understands the value she can bring to her marriage, her family, and her community.