5 Unique and Impactful Organizations to Support for International Women’s Day

5 organizations that help support women

In celebration of International Women’s Month, we’re shining a lot on organizations that make a major impact. The holiday, which occurs every March 8th, is recognized globally as a moment to not only honor the women in our lives but put our support into action by bringing attention to causes such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and abuse against women. Below are five organizations we’re supporting to further the advancement of women everywhere.

1. EngenderHealth

Founded in 1943, EngenderHealth is focused on family planning and giving women autonomy over their reproductive rights. They believe that women should be free to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and collaborate with local communities, health systems, and governments to provide high-quality care that can be sustained for years to come.

2. The Malala Fund

Did you know? More than 130 million school-age girls are out of school today. This can be due to a range of reasons, including conflict, poverty, discrimination and climate crisis. Founded by Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, the Malala Fund is an international non-profit with the goal of providing women all over the globe with 12 years of free, safe, and high-quality education. They do this by utilizing local educators and activists, who are closest to the issues, to address the problems.

3. Room to Read

Like the Malala Fund, Room to Read also deals with girls’ education—but with a focus on literacy across Asia and Africa. Historically, the organization is involved with low-income communities and assists in developing literacy skills and building a habit of reading. Room to Read feels that by developing this educational foundation, they can better support girls as they build skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions.

4. Girls Not Brides

Although a startling fact, it is important to note that more than 650 million women worldwide deal with the consequences of forced marriage, with 150 million girls who will be married as children by the year 2030. Girls Not Brides seeks to end the worldwide issue of child marriage by raising awareness of the issue and tapping into communities that are facing it head-on. This organization functions as a collaborative effort of 1,600 smaller organizations that work together to put this issue behind us for good.

5. Equality Now

Founded in 1992, Equality Now is a self-described “non-governmental organization that advocates for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women and girls.” It believes in enacting legal and systemic changes that will improve the lives of women and children worldwide, giving them better protections and the access to their full human rights. The organization’s core principles include equality, anti-discrimination, inclusion, autonomy, and dignity.

Blair Smith is a lifestyle and beauty writer who currently resides (and will likely stay forever) in Brooklyn, New York.