Women’s rights have been at the forefront of the media this past year and this month is no different as March honors Women’s History Month.
But when March comes to an end, don’t think that the march for equality is over…because we can’t just go back to our desks and accept the “women makes 80 cents for every dollar that men earn” statistic and that women hold fewer positions of power than men across the board.
So what do we do? We keep pushing and pressing the glass ceiling. We shout until they hear us. We continue the movement. And, already, women’s movements have made strides for women across the globe from ending civil wars to securing laws that protect millions of females.
In honor of Women’s History Month, here are five women’s rights movements you can get involved in the rest of March and all year long.
National Organization of Women
In 1966, Betty Friedan and other prominent feminists formed the National Organization for Women (NOW). Today, it’s the largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the nation and has become the champion for causes like ending violence against women, economic justice, LGBTQ right, and racial justice. Interested in learning more? Take part in NOW’s 2017 Forward Feminism Conference.
Global Fund for Women
Found in 1987 in Palo Alto, California, the organization started in response to the lack of interest in women’s rights. This group believes when a woman is guaranteed her basic human rights, she will be strong, safe, powerful, and heard. To get involved, join the conversation by following the hashtags, #DefendHer and #BuildMovementsNotWalls.
She Should Run
Women make up about 52 percent of the world’s population yet, the higher you go, most of the positions of power and prestige are occupied by men. The numbers just don’t add up. Well, not until we change them. She Should Run started as a project in 2008 and has grown into a movement that encourages girls and women to aspire to public leadership. Get involved by nominating yourself or another qualified woman for public service through their Ask a Woman to Run program.
Girls Right Now
Girls Right Now, now in its twentieth anniversary, is a New York City-based nonprofit that pairs high school girls with professional female writers and media makers for mentorship. Check out its west coast counterpart, WriteGirl. Both programs have a 100 percent high school graduation rate and 100 percent of their mentees have gone onto college.
Spread some girl power love by joining with either organization as a mentor or by donating.
She’s the First
Under the mission statement, “A girl with an education is unstoppable,” She’s the First provides scholarships to help girls in low-income countries be the first in their families to graduate. Be the change you wish to see by spreading awareness with the hashtag #WithMyBookbag, fundraising with their #BakeAChange national bake sale, or through a #SweatforSTF race or fitness event or by donating.
Let’s get to moving ladies! Be a part of the change and help continue the fight for women’s rights all year round.
xx, The FabFitFun Team