If you’re like us here at Studio Gallery, you never want to stop fighting for what you believe in! On the other hand, sometimes it can be hard to know exactly where to go and what to do to support a cause. We understand and want to help, so here’s a list of feminist non-profits to support if you’re feeling inspired to get active! And did we mention that all of the organizations listed do their work in DC, so your donation directly benefits your community right at its heart?
AAUW’s mission is to “advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. We are not satisfied to simply document and discuss the inequities women and girls face. AAUW aims to achieve equity through practical solutions in education, workplaces, and communities.” They have been highly active in the Washington D.C. area. One example of what they’ve accomplished is their “online Work Smart course— available at salary.aauw.org— that can be taken in an hour by anyone, anywhere. The new tool is instrumental in [their] efforts to train 10 million women in salary negotiation by 2022 and help close the pay gap by 2030.”
The AWIS (Association for Women in Science) is dedicated to “achieving equality and full participation for women in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.” They provide services such as mentoring circles resources, as well as fun events like baseball outings! You can also join their membership, which “offers women in STEM a national and local platform to tap into the power of an already established community of women across all disciplines and employment sectors.”
The Maasai Girls Education Fund (MGEF) is a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the District of Columbia. MGEF was “founded in 2000 to increase the literacy, health, and economic well-being of Maasai women in Kenya,” where “Maasai women have one of the lowest literacy rates in the country due to poverty and social and cultural institutions that deny women the right to an education. MGEF is working to economically empower Maasai women by educating girls and women, and the Maasai Community.”
Girls Inc. aspires to “Inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold!” They are affiliated with the national non-profit organization Girls Incorporated, which dates back to 1864. As stated on their website, “Through our unique DC model College Bound Girls! every girl receives The Girls Inc. Experience, an emotionally and physically safe, girl-only environment, research-based programs and related enrichment activities, delivered by professional staff. At Girls Inc. girls can take risks, master physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. They will develop the goals and skills that support her success in school, community and life. She will realize her potential to be an independent woman who can make a valuable contribution to society.” Click the buttons below to contribute to their noble, feminist cause!
Woodhull Freedom Foundation is the only national human rights organization that works full-time to affirm and protect sexual freedom as a fundamental human right. Named after suffragist Victoria Woodhull, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation fights to support sexual freedom, arguing that it “lies at the heart of human dignity, equality, and civil liberties embodied in both the U.S. Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” They hold Sexual Freedom Summits, workshops, and other events such as educational presentations.
Girls On The Run D.C. inspires young girls to get active for a good cause! Girls On The Run aims to “help girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness.” At the end of the program, the girls complete a service project to support their communities, and run a 5K event to celebrate! Register someone you know in the program, sign up for their 5K event, or volunteer to make a difference with Girls On The Run. The future is female!
From staff contributor Halley Stubis.