Although we should always celebrate the women that raise us, lead us, and contribute to our lives each and every day, Women’s History Month offers a unique time to uplift women-led organizations and nonprofits. While the nonprofit sector, like many others, is male-dominated, women have made great advancements in obtaining leadership roles within nonprofits. This has allowed women to ensure that their voices are being represented within organizations, both large and small, and has inspired some women to create their own organizations specifically to uplift other womens’ voices. These organizations are committed to creating change directly in their communities, and more broadly across the world, for the advancement of women.
Women are often overlooked in education, the workforce, and more, and these leaders are providing spaces for women and nonbinary people to find success as well as a community. Addressing issues ranging from incarceration to doctoral education, these organizations and nonprofits impact women all over the country and are pursuing inspiring causes.
- Why Not Prosper
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Founded in 2001 in Philadelphia, Why Not Prosper has helped women in the prison system become economically independent as well as benefit their communities. Why Not Prosper assists these women in finding employment opportunities, having access to safe and affordable housing, and being able to reunite with their children. They focus on ensuring that these women do not go to prison again, and provide pre-release mentoring.
- Her Justice
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Her Justice pairs experienced pro bono lawyers with women living in poverty who need legal assistance in family, marital, or immigration law. Their goal is to “provide free legal help to address individual and systemic legal barriers” and help about 7,500 women and children each year. Her Justice works with other community-based organizations to ensure that steps are taken to make the justice system more equitable for disadvantaged women.
- Bold Futures
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Based in New Mexico, Bold Futures aims to design policy and research that benefits women and people of color. They have worked in specifically furthering reproductive justice and are dedicated to shaping communities that are safe and accessible.
- Cohort Sistas
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Addressing the lack of Black women and non binary people in doctoral education, Cohort Sistas was founded to provide mentorship, resources, and community to these people seeking doctorate degrees. Serving over 2,500 members in over 500 universities, Cohort Sistas is tackling both racial and gender disparities in the medical field.
- Movemeant
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Movemeant is reimagining the role fitness plays in young women’s lives by making a connection between emotional, mental, and physical health. Through a middle school curriculum and a variety of scholarships and grants, Movemeant works with youth to encourage healthy habits for a lifetime.