In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting some of Islington’s organisations and charities run by women, for women. If you’re looking to contribute to a cause that supports women in all aspects, these groups are a great place to start.
Womankind Worldwide’s main goals are to eradicate violence against women and girl, enable female economic empowerment, and boost women’s political power. This organization’s focus countries are Uganda, Nepal, Kenya, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.
How can you contribute? WomanKind is currently accepting donations for women in rural Uganda who are being evicted from their homes to free up space for factories. All donations until May 28th will me matched by UKAID.
Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO)
Celebrated activist Diana Nammi, formed IKWRO in 2002 after a friend was a victim of an honor killing. Today her organisation provides counseling for women and works to end forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence and honour killings. Notably, Nammi and her organisation have assisted in amending the law to ban forced marriage in the UK and also helped to bring about the first extradition and conviction for perpetrators of an honor killing in the UK.
You can join IKWRO as a volunteer, or make a donation.
The Girls network is a mentoring program for girls formed in 2013 by two former teachers, Charly Young and Becca Dean, who saw a need for additional support and encouragement for teenage girls from disadvantaged communities.
You can contribute to their cause by volunteering to serve as a mentor, by fundraising or by making a donation.
Young Women’s Trust is an organisation that works to support young women, aged 16-30, living on low or no pay. They work to combat the cycle of poverty by conducting reports and campaigning for social reform, providing career guidance and coaching, running grants and hosting debates.
This International Women’s Day the Young Women’s Trust is encouraging people to get involved by joining their ongoing campaign, #SayWhatYouPay, to tackle the gender pay gap, by fundraising, or by shopping for their products (funds from sales go to young women in need.)
Women at the Well is an organisation that offers holistic assistance to women whose lives are affected by prostitution, everything from mental health assistance, accomodation and facilities, safer working, employment assistance, and training opportunities.
There are several ways to get involved in this amazing charity. You can volunteer for the outreach and support teams, help out in the kitchen and garden or sign up to lead a group activity.
Alternatively, Women at the Well is accepting donations of women’s clothing and toiletries in addition to general fundraising.
Providing support for women and children in London who are victims of domestic abuse or violence, Solace Women’s Aid is an amazing organisation with a mission to change the world. They provide counseling and assistance for women in immediate need, help with accommodation and relocation, therapeutic services, and rape crisis support.
You can join Solace Women’s Aid at their International Women’s Day event on March 7th at the Curzon Bloomsbury. They are always accepting donations of home goods, toiletries, toys and clothes for women fleeing domestic abuse. You can also help by volunteering or by fundraising.
Even if you can’t volunteer or donate, take the opportunity to tell the women in your life how much you appreciate them!
