World Vision Australia’s 1000 Girls campaign has captured attention with its impactful mission, and it recently earned a finalist position for the Fundraising Excellence Award at the Third Sector Awards 2024.

In an exclusive discussion, Head of Lifecycle Marketing at World Vision Australia Mark Little, sheds light on the campaign’s vision and strategies. He delves into the purpose behind the campaign and the approaches used to empower young girls across communities.

The 1,000 Girls Campaign is a profoundly significant initiative that resonates deeply with Mark. This campaign is about addressing the urgent and often overlooked needs of girls who are among the most vulnerable in their communities. By focusing on them, the campaign aims to provide resources and opportunities they need to thrive, which is a cause Mark wholeheartedly supports.

But this campaign is not just about raising funds to support the girls as it also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the need for gender equality.

As the video highlights, girls in many parts of the world face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and basic human rights, simply because they were born female. They are often subjected to gender-based violence and discrimination, which hinders their ability to reach their full potential. The 1,000 Girls Campaign seeks to change this narrative by empowering girls through education, health services, and protection from harm. This empowerment is crucial not only for the girls themselves but also for the broader community, as educated and healthy girls are more likely to contribute positively to society.

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One critical issue that this campaign has highlighted is that gender equality is that it is often championed primarily by women. To Mark, it is essential that men must also see and understand the disparity and understand that gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a human issue. He believes that we must all work together as one global community to break down these barriers. Mark adds that by involving everyone in this cause, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable world.

The campaign is so timely and is also resonating with many Australians. This year was a record with 3,600 girls sponsored by the International Day of the Girl.

By contributing to this campaign, these Australians are helping create a world where every girl has the opportunity to succeed and live a life free from discrimination and violence. It is a collective effort that is truly making a difference.

Learn more about the finalists and winners of the Third Sector Awards 2024 here.