Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month. It’s a time to acknowledge women’s struggles throughout history, celebrate their contributions and achievements, and support organizations that provide vital services to women now. As we honor those who came before us, we have the opportunity to support the women in our families and our communities this month and beyond.

We’re highlighting some of the local non-profit organizations designed to help women and girls by providing resources and support, protection and education, advocacy, community-building, and more. From organizations fighting for gender equity and women’s rights to non-profits advocating for victims of sexual assault, these powerful leaders are making the world a better place for women and girls. Help take action by exploring a variety of volunteer opportunities:

Join the movement for gender equality and justice

For the past 40 years, Women’s Way has been connecting and empowering organizations and individuals to advance the rights of and opportunities for women and girls, and achieve gender equality for all. By building community, cultivating high-impact philanthropy, and facilitating grantmaking programs, they’ve made a meaningful difference for women, girls and families in the Greater Philadelphia region.

You can get involved by making a monetary donation, browsing volunteer opportunities on their event calendar, or educating yourself on the fight for gender and racial equity.

Help young girls learn confidence and healthy habits for life

Girls on the Run is a youth program with the mission of inspiring, empowering and strengthening girls. Trained coaches help build social, emotional and physical skills in girls through physical activity, dynamic discussions and team building programs. Throughout the program, girls learn confidence, competence, character, and care. At the end of the season, they apply all the skills they’ve learned as they complete a 5K as a team.

You can help girls activate their limitless potential by coaching a team, volunteering at an event, raising money, becoming a sponsor, or joining a committee.

Support individuals who have experienced sexual violence

WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence is an organization with the mission to eliminate all forms of sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of survivors of sexual assault. WOAR provides a range of services including a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group therapy, education and outreach in schools and social service organizations, and other programs.

You can help sexual violence survivors by volunteering to respond to hotline calls, providing medical accompaniment, and working within the community.

Be a part of the fight for a just and equitable society by advancing women’s rights

*Photo courtesy of The Women’s Law Project*

The Women’s Law Project is a public interest law center devoted to protecting and expanding the rights of women, girls and LGBTQ+ individuals. They engage in litigation and advocacy that protects and advances reproductive rights, improves institutional response to sexual and domestic violence, challenges sex and gender discrimination, and fights for economic justice for working families.

You can support Women’s Law Project by making a donation, hosting a meet and greet, or planning a fundraising event.

Help incarcerated women access training and resources to start over

Our volunteers playing virtual bingo to raise funds for Everybody Eats Philly in August 2020. — *Photo courtesy of I’m FREE*

I’m FREE– Females Reentering Empowering Each Other serves formerly or currently incarcerated women so they can go out and make a positive impact in the world. I’m FREE provides trauma-informed and gender-responsive empowerment training, reintegration support, economic development and self-sufficiency training, and other innovative services for women transitioning from corrections to community and their families.

You can support I’m FREE by making a donation.

Support a sisterhood of young women

Our volunteers at Thomas Holme Elementary School in October 2019 after a day of building outdoor spaces for teachers, painting the playground, constructing raised garden beds, designing “buddy benches” and more. — *Photo courtesy of SistaTalk*

SistaTalk is an organization that aims to support single mothers, treat trauma, combat social injustice, and create unity by empowering women. Through monthly empowerment workshops, panel discussions, and community-building activities for young minority women, SistaTalk facilitates a sisterhood of support that helps cultivate a generation of young women full of self-worth, accountability, integrity and unconditional love for themselves.

Learn how to get involved by visiting SistaTalk on Instagram.