Social justice

We listen to those who've been marginalized and elevate their voices as we challenge unjust systems and press for change.

A girl in a white shirt, crosses her arms and smiles. (Indonesia, 2023)

When social justice is denied, who pays the price?

Globally, 138 million children (59 million girls and 78 million boys) are engaged in child labour.

Three quarters (75 per cent) of people living in extreme poverty worldwide.

Approximately 1.4 billion children under 15 lack any form of social protection, leaving them vulnerable to disease, poor nutrition and poverty.

Working for social justice means addressing inequality, poverty and discrimination, starting with the marginalized children and families who suffer their impacts most.

"We have no freedom"

How Girl Power Groups are speaking up in Bangladesh

Advocating for social justice—a cornerstone of our work

World Vision's advocacy efforts amplify the voices of people facing challenges that prevent them from living full and flourishing lives.

With partner communities, our Citizen Voice and Action⁣ approach empowers people to engage their local governments, increasing the accountability of politicians, officials and those who steward public resources.
With national governments, we engage with leaders on laws and policies that affect children’s rights and the delivery of their communities’ essential services.
With international organizations like the UN, we create space for community voices to speak up for their needs and advocate for strong global policies.
In Canada, we advocate for federal government policies and funding that improve the well-being of vulnerable children worldwide and allow for continued humanitarian work.

Our impact

98%

of adolescents report improved self-efficacy in 2025.

30,141

people, including 19,966 women and children, received psychosocial support services in 2025.

Ending child marriage

Once at risk of being a child bride, Neha is now a powerful voice fighting against child marriage—and training other girls to follow in her footsteps.

Neha stands confidently with two teenage girls, their arms crossed.

A deaf young woman in a pink shirt, sits, holding small a child.

A deaf teenager finds new purpose in her community

Guilhermina and her son are taking a path toward transformational change through her participation in the Access to Justice for Adolescent Girls Who are Hard of Hearing project.

Peninah, an advocate for girls in her community, is sitting in a classroom with her students.

Cutting ties with female genitalia mutilation (FGM)

Peninah is speaking out against female genital mutilation (FGM) to prevent other childhoods from being cut short.

A group of Bangladeshi girls, wearing hijabs and niqabs, walk together on a path.

Empowering teenage girls in Bangladesh

Sultana and Maliha are part of a new girls’ group challenging harmful gender norms in their village.

Did you know?

For every dollar invested in our child protection and participation work, $6 in health and education benefits are generated in our Citizen Voice and Action Programs. Source: World Vision Canada 2025 Annual Results Report, pg. 8