11 Feminist Groups To Donate To On Cyber Monday

For anyone looking to get their holiday shopping done early and on the cheap, Cyber Monday is a beautiful day. Americans love a good sale, proven by the fact that they spent more than $2 billion shopping online the Monday after Thanksgiving last year, according to the online analytics firm comScore. While the holidays are a time of excessive shopping, it's also the perfect opportunity to give back to your community or those in need around the globe. Instead of (or perhaps in addition to) buying that sparkly dress you've had your eye on or eclectic gifts for your friends, donate to a feminist organization on Cyber Monday.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with taking advantage of excellent deals online, and buying holiday gifts for loved ones is a great way to show how much they mean to you. At the same time though, the holiday season is a stark reminder of how fortunate some of us are, which is why this time of year is also referred to as the "giving season" for nonprofits. If you want to help others and support groups that share your feminist beliefs, now's the ideal time to do so.

Here are 11 feminist organizations that could use your support today, because no holiday gift can compare to achieving gender equality.

Feminist Majority Foundation

The organization Feminist Majority Foundation works to raise public awareness about feminist issues and uses research and action to fight for women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. Its sister organization, Feminist Majority, lobbies for equality in legislation.

Distributing Dignity

Distributing Dignity provides bras, tampons, and pads to homeless women across the country. You can donate money to the non-profit, or buy specific items for women in need on its Amazon wish list.

Femsplain

Femsplain, an online community of female identified writers sharing their personal experiences, needs donations in order to pay its writers and editors to keep inspiring feminist discussions.

Women's Refugee Commission

The Women's Refugee Commission works to improve the lives of women and girls displaced by crises and protect women's rights by researching the problems, coming up with solutions, and advocating for pro-women programs and policies.

Feminist Apparel

Feminist Apparel is a non-profit clothing company that believes anyone can be a feminist. Buying its pro-equality t-shirts, sweatshirts, and gifts will support the cause and let you indulge in some online shopping.

AAUW

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) uses multiple approaches, including campus leadership and educational funding, to empower female college students.

Women's Global Empowerment Fund

The Women's Global Empowerment Fund uses grassroots strategies to give women across the globe the necessary tools to overcome poverty. Its website says: "Our goal is to work for social justice, increased human security and women's empowerment."

AIWR

The Alliance for International Women's Rights (AIWR) connects Afghan women with professionals in developed countries who want to tutor and mentor them, helping advance women's rights in the process.

Pro Mujer

Pro Mujer provides women in South and Central America with financial services, business and empowerment training, and health care to help them escape poverty.

Women's Voices for the Earth

Women's Voices for the Earth amplifies women’s voices to eliminate toxic chemicals harming the Earth and people's health. Its website says: "WVE envisions a world where women lead to create a healthy environment without toxic chemicals in our workplaces, homes, and communities."

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health care and sex education to millions of women every year, and donations are shared equally between local Planned Parenthood affiliates and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Images: Feminist Majority Foundation (1); Distributing Dignity (1); Femsplain/Patreon (1); Women's Refugee Commission (1); Feminist Apparel (1); AAUW (1); WGEF (1); AIWR (1); Pro Mujer (1); WVE (1); Planned Parenthood (1)