Life
The most wonderful day of the year is coming up fast, and on International Women's Day, finding organizations to donate to is one of the most important forms of participation. As always, the day celebrating the achievements of women across the globe falls on March 8, but this year, events are perhaps a little more politically-minded than they have been in a long time. Last fall, feminists began planning an international women's strike on the holiday, and in the United States, the organizers of the Women's March on Washington are utilizing the momentum from their protest to call for a Day Without a Woman — a day in which women go on strike from paid and unpaid labor. The idea of both strikes is to recognize the indispensable role women play in society.
Unfortunately, as others have pointed out, not everyone can afford to take off a day of work. (Maybe if we received equal pay for equal work, this wouldn't be as much of a problem.) The good news is that there are several other ways to participate, beginning with donating time or money to women-centered organizations. Be sure to do your own research, but here are nine starting points below.
Check out the “Feminism” stream in the Bustle App throughout the month of March for more inspiring ways to celebrate Women's History Month.
1The Center For Reproductive Rights
Established in 1992, the Center for Reproductive Rights is exactly what it sounds like: a nonprofit advocating for women's reproductive rights worldwide. It's perfect for International Women's Day. Donate here.
2Camfed
International nonprofit Camfed has been pioneering girls' education programs in sub-Saharan Africa since 1993. According to its website, the organization's programs have directly supported more than a million students through primary and secondary school. To donate, head over to the Camfed website.
3The American Civil Liberties Union
For nearly a century, the ACLU has been defending constitutional rights, from fighting for academic freedom to speaking out against World War II-era "war relocation" camps. Currently, they've made no secret of keeping an eye on Donald Trump's administration, which poses a threat to women's rights. To support their resistance, donate here.
4EngenderHealth
Family planning is a pressing issue for women, and that's the focus of global nonprofit EngenderHealth, along with STI prevention and maternal health. Check out the organization for yourself and donate here.
6Global Fund for Women
In 1987, four California women established a public foundation to fund the "work of women who are building social movements and challenging the status quo." Since then, the organization has grown exponentially, campaigning for women's rights and awarding millions of dollars in grants to women each year. Donate here.
7Pathfinder
According to its website, global nonprofit Pathfinder "envisions a world where everyone has access to contraception, where there are zero new HIV infections, where no woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related complications, and where everyone leads a healthy sexual and reproductive life." The organization is dedicated to worldwide sexual health using a groundbreaking community-based model. Donate here.
8She Should Run
In the United States, women are so underrepresented in politics it's almost laughable. Consider donating to She Should Run, an organization aimed at inspiring women and girls to run for office. "We know that when women run for office they win at the same rates as men," it explains on its website. "Yet women are not encouraged and recruited at the same rate as men." Donate here.
9Planned Parenthood
In all likelihood, I don't need to remind you that federal funding for Planned Parenthood has been targeted by conservatives for nearly a decade. Under the current administration, led by a man who makes no attempt to veil his lack of respect for women, the healthcare organization needs more financial aid than ever. Donate here.
