World Vision seeks 1000 sponsorships by 11 October
World Vision Australia relaunched its 1000 Girls campaign at Parliament House in Canberra on 16 September 2026, asking Australians to sponsor 1,000 vulnerable girls by 11 October.
The charity hosted its third annual Day of the Girl Breakfast in the Enid Lyons Alcove. Parliamentarians, ambassadors and supporters attended to mark International Day of the Girl.
Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, Deputy Opposition Leader Senator Jane Hume and campaign ambassador Jelena Dokic were among those at the breakfast.
The event focused on girls facing child marriage, missed schooling and gender-based violence. World Vision Australia placed particular attention on Bangladesh.
Figures highlighted at the event showed a girl is forced into child marriage every three seconds. Globally, 122 million girls are out of school. Almost one in three women and girls will experience violence in their lifetime.
World Vision Australia linked the campaign to its Child Sponsorship program. In 2025, that program reached more than 3 million women and girls worldwide.
The organisation says its community-based model also spreads support beyond one child. For every girl sponsored, four additional children benefit.
More than 5,000 sponsorships last year
Australians exceeded the campaign target in 2025, delivering more than 5,000 sponsorships. World Vision Australia is again seeking sign-ups before International Day of the Girl on 11 October.
Chief executive Grant Bayldon said, “Behind every number is a girl with a name, a family and a dream for her future.”
Bayldon said Australians made those outcomes possible. He argued that when a girl is safe and in school, the gains reach her family and wider community.
The breakfast brought together political leaders and charity supporters as the campaign reopened. World Vision Australia wants sponsors to sign up online at worldvision.com.au/sponsor-a-girl or by calling 13 32 40 before 11 October.
The organisation did not disclose how many new sponsorships had been secured by 16 September 2026.
Related: Jelena Dokic
