On International Day of the Girl Child, World Vision empowers girls to become strong women

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Tomorrow, in honor of the third annual U.N.-sanctioned International Day of the Girl Child, World Vision encourages Canadians to talk with sisters, mothers, daughters and other influential women in their lives about how strong girls and women can make a strong world.

The Numbers

• An estimated 85 million children worldwide are doing hazardous 3D jobs (dirty, dangerous and degrading). For girls, this includes prostitution, domestic work in private homes, and harvesting coffee, sugar and cocoa.
• Globally, 61 per cent of female youths still cannot read or write. Poverty is a major barrier to secondary education, especially among older girls. Many are denied access to education because of early marriage and other cultural practices.  Even gathering water is often a burden that prevents girls from going to school.
• Every single day, 786 women die from complications of pregnancy or childbirth - most could be prevented with access to proper nutrition and medical care.

The Fight

• When 10 per cent more of its girls go to school, a country's GDP increases an average of three per cent.
• World Vision works to protect children, especially survivors of conflicts, disasters and gender-based violence. For example, in Jordan and Lebanon, the agency is helping thousands of Syrian refugee families.
• World Vision helps girls and women access better health care in about 100 countries. In rural Tanzania, for example, the agency is teaching new moms about nutrition for their children and how to prevent diarrhea, pneumonia and HIV and AIDS.
• In Ethiopia, World Vision has launched a Literacy Boost program to make a difference in how children learn.

The Tools

• Engage in fashion advocacy by gifting jewelry, scarves, T-shirts and other handcrafted accessories that fund women's development programs. Through the World Vision Gift Catalogue, donating as little as $35 - the cost of the average blouse - can help provide a young woman with job training or school supplies for a year.
• Learn more about issues that affect girls through World Vision's Voices for Children network.
• Arrange a screening of documentary, "Girl Rising" in your local area.

By engaging on International Day of the Girl Child, millions of vulnerable girls in the world are empowered and equipped to become strong women, like our sisters, mothers and friends.

Photos and interviews with World Vision representatives in Canada and Jordan are available upon request.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca.

SOURCE: World Vision Canada