10 Women's Organizations To Support In 2023
Women’s groups are flourishing in the 21st century and for good reason. Although it may seem as though women today have a wealth of opportunities–such as access to education and a variety of careers–there is still a long way to go before all women are afforded equitable opportunities in just about every sector.
Movements like “The Women's March” and “Time's Up” show that women want to be heard and valued for their contributions–not just in the workplace, but beyond. Women make up half of the world’s population, but the many restricted opportunities for women at every level of society do not reflect this. This is why women’s organizations are imperative to a better future. These collectives fight tirelessly to ensure a higher quality of living for young girls and women. But they also need our support.
In honor of Women’s History Month in March, here are just a few of the hundreds of women’s organizations you can support.
10 Women's Organizations to Support in 2023
League of Women Voters
Suffragettes fought for women’s rights to vote in the early 20th century. It’s crazy to think that we are still fighting today for equitable representation in the political sphere. Too often laws–and even our own local politicians–do not operate with women in mind. That’s why The League of Women Voters is important and in need of our support. This grassroots organization is also nonpartisan, meaning that all political affiliations are welcome to join the cause to defend and widen voter rights. You can help by donating, joining your local chapter, or reading the many awareness articles that they have on their site.
Your vote matters, and so does the vote of every other woman.
The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID)
Looking to help fight for women’s rights all around the world? Well, that’s why The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) is here. AWID proudly supports “feminist, women’s rights, and gender justice movements” across the globe. This international organization does so by working with local and international policy, arranging meetings, building connections, helping movements organize and hit the ground running, and even supporting creative endeavors. You can help the organization or one of its multiple initiatives, like Co-Creating Feminist Realities, by becoming a member, donating, or even just spreading awareness that AWID is here to assist women’s movements everywhere!
National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice
Similar to the Center for Reproductive Justice, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice (the Latina Institute) exists to fiercely advocate for the reproductive rights that many women and pregnant bodies are robbed of, especially highlighting those in the Latina/x communities. International organizations that are diverse such as these are wonderful resources. However, many BIPOC deeply appreciate organizations that prioritize their specific identities. This is likely because it is easy for others, including those of other minorities, to overlook specific identities, even if unintentionally. This intersectional movement achieves its goals by strengthening local communities, working with policy, and changing the culture by being vocal on the importance of reproductive health and justice within the Latina/x communities.
Girl Rising
As the Latina Institute perfectly describes, storytelling is a key way to bring awareness and understanding to important issues. Girl Rising is an international nonprofit that uses storytelling to shift global appreciation—or lack thereof—for girls and learning. This organization produces engaging media, such as books and acclaimed films, partners with schools around the world, and uses campaigns to increase a positive outlook on girls receiving education. They not only fight to establish inclusive learning environments, but they also aim to help young girls become confident and vocal so that, in turn, each girl will also fight for her education. You can help by supporting their extensive media content, shopping at their store, donating, or becoming a student ambassador (for those college-aged or younger).
Center for Reproductive Rights
June 2022 was undoubtedly one of the toughest times for women in America. The overturn of Roe v Wade has re-implemented strict abortion laws across the country, putting millions of lives at risk in addition to stripping away the right to bodily autonomy. The Center for Reproductive Rights fights hard to defend and promote women’s health. Their site definitively says that this international women’s organization is “the only global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.” They achieve this through working with policy, helping to win monumental court cases, advocacy, and partnerships across many regions. You can help by first learning the basics of reproductive rights issues as well as donating or taking various forms of action, such as joining protests and reaching out to congress members.
Play Like a Girl
Another organization advocating and promoting for young girls is Play Like a Girl. With women only making up about 25% of STEM fields, Play Like a Girl is working to teach girls from a young age that they are just as intelligent, able, and worthy of careers in STEM as anybody else. The name of this charitable organization seems to be a clever double entendre as the organization empowers young girls to enter STEM by way of playing sports. They see sports as an example of the “competitive, male-dominated careers in STEM+,” and therefore, the skills learned within and confidence gained from sports will significantly help young girls as they mature into women in STEM. You can support the organization through a variety of ways, including donating and being a member if you are already a woman in STEM.
100 Women in Finance
Much like STEM and politics, women are underrepresented in the financial field. This is why 100 Women in Finance have their Vision 30/40. This international women’s organization aims to ensure that “30% of senior investment roles and executive committee positions” are filled by women by 2040. They work to fulfill their goals by providing learning tools, hosting conferences, and networking opportunities, creating various awareness initiatives like the 100FinTech program, and promoting job boards. 100 Women in Finance has many volunteer opportunities as well, including joining boards, peer engagement, and connecting with your local committee.
Women’s Bean Project
There’s just something about sustainability and ethical practices that makes food taste better. The Women’s Bean Project is not just on a mission to provide healthy and delicious food items, but on a mission to end the cycle of poverty for women. They empower women who have endured long periods of joblessness by employing them on their team. With each purchase from this nationwide food seller, you are helping to support a woman get back on her feet and improve the life of herself and her family. If you’re based near Denver, Colorado, you could also volunteer directly, as they are always in need of help all year long (and especially during the holiday seasons).
Essie Justice Group
The American incarceration system sees one of the highest rates of inmates in the world, with Black and Brown persons disproportionally making up the largest number of America’s prisoners. Essie Justice Group exists to support the women affected by this disruptive recurrence. Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, who are most commonly the victims of extreme isolation and violence, are also invited to participate in their “Healing to Advocacy '' program so that no one has to experience being separated from an incarcerated loved one alone. The organization is also on the frontlines of policy advocacy for matters, such as prison closure, creating and campaigning the BREATH ACT, gender justice, and pretrial liberation to name a few. You can help by donating and spreading awareness about the Essie Justice Group.
I Am Womankind
Domestic violence is a worldwide pandemic that has plagued the globe for centuries, and women are overwhelmingly the victims. What’s just as alarming is that it is often hard for minority women to receive support and treatment. That’s why I Am Womankind is a perfect example of a minority-focused domestic violence organization that needs your support. The organization was founded in 1982 and supports victims in the greater Asian community with over 18 Asian languages and dialects spoken between their staff and volunteers. You can support by becoming a paying member, donating, or volunteering for one or more of the 18 volunteer opportunities, such as helpline supporters, tutors, and ESL volunteers!