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5 Non-Profits to Support on Int'l Women's Day

The concept of charity, love, donate and helping hand.

Photo: Getty Images

As a lady myself, I certainly don't mind International Women's Day. While I'm happy to uplift and highlight important women in our world, I also want to make sure we're remembering that today is also about making sure that women (and non cis-gender people) have the resources to succeed--because often times, they don't. It's not an anti-men day; but when we live in a man's world, it is a day to remember that there is a reason we need an international holiday in the first place.

Something I have to frequently remind myself is that days like today should not just be about performance; we need to do more than sharing a "Happy International Women's Day" post on Instagram or shouting out our fave ladies. Let's put our money and our actions where our mouths are to actually support women's causes for a just and equal future.

Below are some of my favorite local and national non-profits that focus on issues that disproportionately affect women (and others) every day.

I am a frequent supporter of DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services) as it is essential that survivors of domestic abuse have a resource to help them get out of life-threatening situations. Domestic abuse is an incredibly complicated issue, and so frequently, women and survivors receive part of the blame from third parties. The reality is that fleeing from one's own home is extremely dangerous, and there are cases when spouses have to account for children when considering leaving.

DAIS not only fights for social change through education and outreach, but they also offer intervention services, housing, food and legal resources for those who are seeking safety. DAIS is the only domestic violence shelter in all of Dane County. You can support them and learn the stats on their website here.

When we consider houselessness and food disparities, there is no question that those issues disproportionately affect women. In 2020, single mothers suffered the greatest amount of food insecurity compared to any other demographic, nearly double to the amount of single fathers (source: USDA.gov). Although Goodman Community Center serves all in our community, their Fritz Food Pantry is an important resource to highlight when thinking about systemic issues that affect women.

The Fritz Food Panty provides groceries for more than 200 households every week in our area, because providing safe, fresh food can take a huge burden off of those trying to get out of poverty. You can volunteer or donate at their site here.

Group of volunteers in community donation center, food bank and coronavirus concept.

Photo: Getty Images

Not only do women experience depression at twice the rate of men, but because of a stigma and accessibility around therapy, Black individuals are less likely to seek out help for mental health care. It's no question that BIPOC women experience more barriers and hardships compared to non-BIPOC, but having so many barriers in front of accurate and accessible mental health care can truly have a huge impact on these communities and their fatality rates.

The Loveland Foundation focuses on helping Black women and girls (and communities of color) to receive healing that "will impact generations." They provide both funds to those in need of therapy access, but they also have comprehensive lists of mental health professionals that can meet the specific needs of peoples' multitudinous identities. You can donate, become an advocate or start a giving circle on their website here.

Not every woman was born a female, and not every person born in a female body is a woman or identifies as so. Sure, it's International Women's Day, but at the core of this day, we are seeking equality around gender--which includes more than just women (and includes all women). Many transgender or non-binary peoples suffer similarly to women, from the glass ceiling to violence. But on top of that, they also are affected by transphobia and a world not yet accustomed to additional gender identities. Because of this, they suffer from exclusion in their home lives and professional settings, they are not treated seriously in doctors offices, and they are 2 to 2.5x more likely to experience depressive symptoms and consider suicide (source: Trevor Project).

For anyone under the LGBTQ+ youth category, the Trevor Project provides a safe resource to talk about mental health and find counselors. They have helped save countless lives with their hotline, and they are constantly working towards creating resources and advocacy around all identities. Even for those not in the community, the Trevor Project is a great source of education to become a better ally. You can donate and learn on their website.

You have my full support

Photo: Getty Images

Did you know that 4 out of 5 Indigenous women are affected by violence, and the murder rates of Indigenous women/girls/two-spirit people are 10x higher than the national average? We are a community built on Ho-Chunk land, and women disappear right under us without ever seeing news coverage. Unfortunately, skin color still affects our world at large, and on top of the many dangers that women have to face daily, being a women of color increases many of those dangers, especially for Indigenous communities.

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women focuses their efforts on raising awareness around missing or murdered Indigenous women/girls/two-spirit people. They especially want to address the neglect around these communities and ensuring that their cases are taken seriously with the same fervor as other cases for non-Indigenous peoples. This happens on a jurisdictional and medical level, so they aim to help shape policy and increase representation in all areas to change the odds. You can donate, learn and become an advocate on their site.


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