9 Amazing Ways To Support Girls and Women on International Women’s Day
A Girlfriend’s Guide To Showing Ladies Some Serious Support
Women have come a long way. Without the bravery and determination of many courageous women in history, we would still be oppressed like we were only a short time ago. In modern times born into a free Western country, it is difficult for me to imagine belonging to a man and having virtually no rights.
I am very grateful for all the progress we have made but before we celebrate and while we have everyone’s attention for a brief twenty-four hours, can we use the spotlight for an honest conversation? The reality is that many crimes and injustices against women and girls are still happening all over the world, including in countries where we supposedly have equal rights. In fact, inequality is still alive and strong in all aspects of society and globally. I don’t go into the numbers because I’d prefer to feel joyous today.
In honor of International Women’s Day, I’ll like to ask a small favor in that you make a gesture this year to help women and girls.
Each of you has the power to contribute to making the world a safer, more equal, happier place for females. Here are nine ways you can support women and girls today:
1/ SUPPORT WOMEN AT WORK
In the workplace, you can support women by promoting them to leadership positions, paying them equally, giving them flexibility and support about childcare, and creating a company culture where women feel comfortable, valued, and safe. Highlight female employees more often and provide more mentorships for them. There are several organizations aiming to support working women, from women-only recruiting agencies to co-working spaces to publications for women at work. A few go-to resources I’d like to highlight are Fairy God Boss, Working Mother Magazine, The Wing, Après, Care.com, The Mom Project, The Muse, Career Contessa, Classy Career Girl, and Mompowerment.
2/ SUPPORT WOMEN AT THE POLLS
When you vote, you can support women by voting for female candidates. Here are a few organizations looking to get women into office: She Should Run, Emily’s List, National Women’s Political Caucus, The Women’s Campaign Fund, Ignite, and Running Start.
3/ SUPPORT WOMEN THROUGH PHILANTHROPY AND VOLUNTEERISM
When you donate money or volunteer this year, think about the organizations I mention below that support women’s rights, especially internationally. See below a resource guide.
4/ SUPPORT GIRLS (AND BOYS)
When you raise children, you can instill upon them — both girls and boys — to respect women and be careful how you create gender bias, even innocent behaviors like praise. We parents also must fight for equal education in schools and avoidance of gender bias. Read to your kids' stories with strong female characters. A few organizations helping girls are Global Partnership, UNICEF, The UN Girls’ Education Initiative, Room to Read, Girls For A Change, Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, Malala Fund, She’s The First, and Girl Up.
5/ SUPPORT WOMEN THROUGH AWARENESS OF WOMEN’S ISSUES
A small gesture such as liking or sharing this article or any of the wonderful organizations I mention in this article could help spread the word to get more people involved. Follow the links and find out how you can show your support.
6/ BUY FROM WOMEN
Support women-owned businesses. Hire them and buy their products. There are a few organizations helping women-owned businesses get more visibility and support such as Women Owned and Buy from a Black Woman.
7/ INVEST IN WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES
The U.S. Small Business Administration has many resources for women to get funding and training to succeed in business. Other sources for financial funding for women founders are the SBA 8(a) Program, Female Founders Fund, The Amber Grant, iFundWomen, and The NASE Grant.
8/ SUPPORT FEMALE MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATIONS
Instead of flowers, women need someone to gift them a membership to one of the growing numbers of amazing associations all over the world that support female entrepreneurs and leaders. A few that come to mind are the National Association of Women Business Owners, Female Founder Collective, Ellevest, Ellevate, Girl Boss, Ladies Get Paid, and Hey Mama.
9/ SUPPORT ORGS FOR WOMEN OF COLOR
Women of color have a double battle to face. Luckily, more organizations are appearing to support them such as Walker’s Legacy, BLCK VC, Fearless Fund, Black Girl Ventures, Minority Business Development Agency, and Women of Color Network.
The following is a list of international organizations you can donate to or get involved in to help women and girls (not exhaustive):
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally and are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
Association of Women’s Rights In Development (AWID)
The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) is an international organization working to achieve gender equality and women’s human rights across the word.
CEDAW
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. CEDAW Committee consists of 23 experts on women’s rights from around the world.
Center for Reproductive Rights
The Center for Reproductive Rights uses the power of law to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights around the world.
Coalition Against Trafficking in Women International
CATWI promotes women’s human rights by working internationally to combat sexual exploitation.
Equality Now
Equality Now is an international organization founded with the mission of using legal advocacy to protect and promote the human rights of women and girls.
European Women’s Lobby
Umbrella organization of women’s associations in the European Union (EU), working to promote women’s rights and equality between women and men.
European Commission Daphne Funding Program
A EU program that contributes to preventing all forms of violence occurring in the public or the private domain, including sexual exploitation and trafficking of human beings.
Feminist Majority Foundation
An organization dedicated to women’s equality, reproductive health, and non-violence.
Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women
The Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW) is an Alliance of more than 80 non-governmental organisations from Africa, Asia, Europe, LAC and North America. The GAATW International Secretariat is based in Bangkok, Thailand and co-ordinates the activities of the Alliance, collects and disseminates information, and advocates on behalf of the Alliance at regional and international levels.
Innocence en Danger
This organization is an independent international NGO which brings together Internet specialists, lawyers, child protection agencies, high-profile activists, political leaders, and lobby groups, in order to sensitize world opinion and mobilize human, technical and financial resources to protect children.
International Alliance of Women (IAW)
The International Alliance of Women (IAW) is an international NGO comprising 41 member organizations involved in the promotion of women’s human rights, of equality and of the empowerment of women.
MADRE: Global Women’s Rights
MADRE’s mission is to advance women’s human rights by meeting urgent needs in communities and building lasting solutions to the crises women face.
Plan International
Plan International is a global development human rights and humanitarian organization working to advance rights of children and equality for girls.
RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Assault, Incest National Network) is an anti-sexual violence organization that runs a national hotline at 800.656.HOP as well as runs many programs for survivors.
Rape Crisis Network Europe
RCNE is the network of European centers which support survivors of sexual violence. We aim to make sure that anyone who experiences sexual violence can get the help they need.
Rise Up
Rise Up activates women and girls to transform their lives, families, and communities for a more just and equitable world through investment in local solutions, strengthening leadership, and building movements.
Save The Children
With 25,000 dedicated staff across 117 countries, we respond to major emergencies, deliver innovative development programmes, and ensure children’s voices are heard through our campaigning to build a better future for and with children.
Safe World for Women
Women-led NGO, working with grassroots organizations to promote women’s empowerment and sustainable development, tackle the root causes of poverty and oppression, and bring about positive social and economic change at a global level.
Time’s Up Now
By helping change culture, companies, and laws, TIME’S UP Now aims to create a society free of gender-based discrimination in the workplace and beyond. We want every person — across race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, and income level — to be safe on the job and have equal opportunity for economic success and security.
UN Global Fund for Women
The UN Global Fund for Women promotes women’s economic security, health, education and leadership.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is the leading UN entity on human rights, representing the world’s commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide.
UN Secretary General’s Database on Violence Against Women
Coordinated database on the extent, nature and consequences of all forms of violence against women, and on the impact and effectiveness of policies and programs.
US National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women
This organization provided guidance to communities, policy leaders, and individuals engaged in activities to end violence against women and has produced several interesting studies of value.
WAVE — Women Against Violence Europe
WAVE is a network of European women’s non-governmental organizations working in the field of combating violence against women and children (women’s refuges, counselling centers, SOS hotlines/helplines, organizations focusing on prevention and training).
We Will Speak Out
The We Will Speak Out coalition works to end sexual violence worldwide.
White Ribbon Campaign (international)
The White Ribbon Campaign is a global campaign of men working to end violence against women with a focus on educating men and boys.
Women’s Global Empowerment Fund
The mission of Women’s Global Empowerment Fund is to support women through economic, social and political programs, creating opportunities while addressing inequality; strengthening families and communities.
Womankind Worldwide
Together, Womankind Worldwide and women’s rights organisations and movements are creating a better future for women and girls.
World Health Organization
WHO fights violence against women and for women’s health worldwide.
World YWCA
The World YWCA is a grassroots-driven, global movement rooted in the leadership of women, young women, and girls.
CONCLUSION
We still have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure women are equally protected and given the same opportunities as men in all areas of society and internationally. Please share any associations that I missed in the comments so that we can raise as much awareness and drive support for women’s rights.
Happy International Women’s Day to all! Girl Power All the Way!
