From centre court to centre stage in the fight for girls’ rights, Jelena Dokic knows what it means to overcome adversity. The former world number four, who captured hearts with her grit and determination on the tennis court, is now using her powerful voice for something even bigger: giving vulnerable girls the chance to live free from violence and fear. As an ambassador for World Vision’s 1000 Girls campaign, Jelena is speaking out to ensure every girl has the opportunity to dream big and thrive. We caught up with Jelena to talk about why this cause is so close to her heart, the challenges girls face globally, and how she continues to champion resilience, on and off the court.
World Vision invites supporters to sponsor 1,000 girls by International Day of the Girl (October 11) to help them access education, protection, food, clean water, healthcare, and opportunities to challenge harmful practices like child marriage and violence.
Read on for that interview with Jelena.
World Vision’s 1000 Girls campaign says, “Every girl should live free from fear”. Can you share what it was about this campaign that made you want to get involved?
The 1000 Girls campaign by World Vision really resonated with me because I understand firsthand what it feels like to grow up without safety or a voice. What stood out most was their commitment to empowering girls and women, giving them visibility, respect, and a platform to be heard in a world where they often face vulnerability.
Simple freedoms that many take for granted, like attending school or avoiding early marriage, are sadly out of reach for countless girls globally.
Every girl should have the opportunity to live without fear, access education, remain in school, and ultimately pursue a future filled with hope and happiness. What impresses me about World Vision is its comprehensive strategy. They don’t just focus on individual girls; they engage with families, communities, and institutions to challenge harmful traditions such as child marriage and abuse. They educate girls about their rights, support their continued schooling, and involve boys and men to foster more respectful attitudes toward women and girls. By changing the environment around them, they’re helping create a world where every girl can grow up safe, educated, and empowered.
Campaigns like this inspire me because they remind me that positive change is possible, and together, we can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable girls.
You’re a powerful advocate for women and girls. What does it mean to you to be able to use your voice and your platform to help women and girls who don’t have a voice?
This means everything to me. I’ve shared my own story of abuse and violence, and although my experience is different from many girls in this campaign, it has shown me how crucial it is to speak up. So many girls and women remain silenced and may never have the opportunities I was given. I feel a deep responsibility to use my platform to speak for them, to raise awareness, to challenge the stigma that often falls on victims instead of perpetrators and to support World Vision, which is creating real, lasting change.
World Vision’s goal is to have 1000 girls sponsored by October 11. How can sponsorship transform a girl’s life?
Sponsoring a girl truly transforms lives. It offers access to education, safety, healthcare, and essential support that many girls might never otherwise receive.
What sets World Vision apart is its holistic approach. Your sponsorship goes beyond just one child – it helps change mindsets across her entire community. It shields her from early marriage, keeps her in school, and empowers her with knowledge of her rights so she can stand up for herself and others. Your support isn’t just about helping her get by; it equips her with the tools to stay in school, avoid early marriage, and imagine a future full of hope and possibilities.
Even a small contribution can have a huge impact. It can save a life and completely alter the course of a girl’s future.
The campaign addresses some confronting statistics. Almost 1 in 3 women and girls will experience violence in their lifetimes. Every three seconds, a girl is forced into marriage. Since joining World Vision’s campaign, is there anything you have learnt about the plight of women and girls that has shocked or surprised you?
I was deeply moved, and frankly shocked, by how widespread and serious these issues are. Reading the stories of young girls, some sold into marriage, others married far too young, and many denied the chance to go to school, was truly heartbreaking. When I see those statistics, it brings tears to my eyes.
The reality behind those numbers is devastating, and it’s not something we often hear about. What stands out to me about World Vision’s work is its commitment to addressing the root causes. They involve whole communities, confront harmful customs, and empower girls by teaching them about their rights. That gives me real hope because it proves that lasting change is achievable. It makes you pause and ask yourself, What can we do? That’s why this campaign matters so much: not only to raise awareness but to demonstrate that even the smallest effort can help these girls find their voice and build a better future.
You have become a symbol of strength for so many. Your public advocacy and demanding job must take a lot of energy. What do you do to take care of yourself?
I genuinely love what I do, and even when the demands are high, I feel a strong responsibility to invest energy not only into my work but also into my own well-being. For me, balance is essential. I make it a priority to carve out quality time for myself, whether that’s being in nature or simply unwinding at home. Taking those moments to reset makes a big difference. Prioritising sleep is also a major part of how I take care of myself and stay grounded amid a busy schedule.
What do you do to help you stay balanced?
I make it a point to surround myself with people who are genuine, supportive and loving because the company we keep truly shapes our lives. Another way I maintain balance is by carving out a quiet moment for myself every morning, no matter how busy my day is or if it means waking up earlier. I sit in silence with my coffee, free from distractions, just enjoying the calm. This simple ritual gives me space to reflect and sets a positive, healthy tone for the day ahead.
You’ve been so open about what you went through as a girl and a young woman. If you could say one thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’ve learned that my worth, my smile, and my happiness belong to me, and I won’t let anyone take that away. What’s carried me through the hardest times is believing in myself, holding onto hope, and never letting go of the belief that dreams can come true.
Help World Vision sponsor 1000 girls by 11 October, 2025. Find out more on the website.
