Women at every stage of our nation’s history have been leaders in the social justice movements. Now, more than ever, it’s important that we protect the rights women have gained, while we fight for the rights that women deserve. These rights include workplace equality and equal pay, equal access to reproductive healthcare, and the continued demand for racial and gender equality.
During Women’s History Month, let us all strive to create a fairer and more equal society.
Want to know how you can support Philadelphia’s women and girls – not just during Women’s History Month but every month? Here are some ideas!
1. Support organizations that advocate for women’s equality.
There are plenty of great organizations that are on the frontlines everyday in the struggle for gender equality. Philadelphia NOW, Women’s Law Project, Coalition of 100 Black Women and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are all worthy of your support to advance the cause of equality. These groups are only able to keep up this work with the contributions of many others. Consider making a donation or finding opportunities to volunteer!
2. Run for office or support some of the amazing female candidates who are running this year.
Women are significantly underrepresented in Pennsylvania politics. Women make up only 18% of our state legislature. We also have no women in our congressional delegation and we have never elected a female governor or U.S. Senator. However, when women run for office, they win at the same rates as men. This blog post, written by a member of the Philadelphia Commission for Women, has more info about overcoming the obstacles necessary to run for office and win.
If you’d prefer not to be a candidate yourself, you can also help by supporting some of the strong women who are running for office this year.
3. Help women succeed in high-demand career paths, like STEM.
There is a significant gender gap in many career paths, particularly in the STEM fields that represent the careers of the future. Workshops and programs hosted by organizations such as Philadelphia’s TechGirlz are great ways to inspire female students to explore STEM career opportunities. Black Girls Code, Girl Develop It, and the Association for Women in Forensic Science are also strong programs at the national level that provide training and encouragement to women and girls interested in STEM occupations. By supporting these organizations, you’ll help women close the gender gap in these fields once and for all.
4. Support female entrepreneurs.
iFundWomen, a crowdfunding platform for women-led startups and small businesses, recently partnered with StartupPHL to help women raise the capital they need to advance their businesses. Women face a substantial funding gap relative to men when trying to start a business venture, highlighting the need to reduce this disparity. Discover cool projects led by women that you can support here!
Let’s make 2018 the “Year of the Woman”!
“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard… we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” –Malala Yousafzai
