Every month, millions of women rely on charities that provide invaluable services, support and education.

Why not celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8th) by donating money, volunteering your time or spreading the word about the work a worthy charity which helps women. We’ve picked some great female-focused charities that deserve your support below, if we don’t empower each other who will!? 

Our Charity piece

To celebrate International Women’s Day we have released a special limited edition Endometriosis charity piece. £20 of each sale goes to Endometriosis UK https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/

It could be a meaningful gift for someone in your life suffering from Endometriosis, or a lovely way to show solidarity while also knowing it will make a difference. The ‘Close to my Heart’ pendants are available in Silver and 9ct Gold

UK Charities

As Bloody Good Period so accurately point out on its website, menstrual supplies are not cheap, they are also not optional and not a luxury item. This charity aims to end period poverty for female asylum seekers, refugees and those who can’t afford to buy these essential products. 

Girls Out Loud was created to empower and inspire teenage girls in the UK. The charity provides programmes and support that help build confidence, self-belief, emotional resilience and a positive self-image. If we don’t support the women of the future to be stronger than those who came before we will never see the change we need.

Womankind’s number one priority is to end violence against women and girls for good, a goal which they recognise can feel overwhelming. To tackle this issue effectively the charity has refined its approach to work with women’s movements in Africa and Asia to push for policies and laws to be put in place to protect women and drive social change to ensure that women’s rights are supported.

Women’s Aid is a grassroots federation that is made up of 180 organisations all over the World. Since 1974, they have been offering life-saving services to women and children suffering from domestic abuse, education and public awareness. The organisations work closely to offer a support systems and a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline.

At local, national and international level, Imkaan fights violence against black and minority ethnic (BAME) women and girls. The organisation works to improve policy and practice responses to women of colour on a whole host of issues that include domestic violence, forced marriage, and ‘honour-based’ violence.

Savera’s work focuses on shining a light on subjects surrounding ‘honour’-based violence, including FGM, forced marriages and domestic abuse, specifically within black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK.

My Body Back was created to help and rebuild the lives of women who have experienced sexual violence. The charity work alongside the NHS to provide access to reproductive and gynaecological healthcare, STI testing, cervical screening, contraceptives and pre-birth and post-birth maternity care.

The only national mental health charity just for women, Wish was established in 1987 to provide long-term advocacy, emotional support and practical guidance at all stages of a woman’s journey through mental health – whether they are leaving hospital, prison or a community.

Endometriosis devastates the lives of women and their families. Endometriosis UK helps them take back control by providing vital support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is available for everyone who needs support until the day that cervical cancer is no more. Cervical cancer can be devastating but this organisation is here to reduce the impact, provide trustworthy information, campaign for change and provide support at every step.

Breast Cancer UK are the only UK charity focused on the prevention of breast cancer, rather than purely treatment, by campaigning to reduce risk through information about lifestyle exposure.

International Charities

Women for Women International works to support marginalised women in countries that have been severely affected by conflict and war. They offer programs to help women earn and save money, improve health, and connect to networks for support, among other things. This gives women the skills and the resources to create positive changes in their lives and a new start for them and their families.

The incredibly inspiring Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai founded the Malala Fund to invest in local education programmes to ensure that girls all over the world access to safe, quality education. Aiming to break down the barriers that prevent more than 130 million girls from going to school, the charity advocates for more resources for education.

CARE is a global organisation that works to end poverty all over the world while trying to achieve social justice. Their site says, "We put women and girls in the centre because we know that we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities”. We could not agree more!

Founded in 1937, Plan International is a development and humanitarian organisation that wants to advance children’s rights and equality for girls. It’s a Worldwide not for profit and independent organisation, inclusive of all faiths and cultures, with only one agenda: to improve the lives of children.

Republic of Ireland

Safe Ireland recognises violence against women and children as a violation of their human rights and they work from the conviction that: Women and their children have the right to live free from domestic violence by changing culture and transforming the response to domestic violence.

The Irish Family Planning Association provides sexual and reproductive health information, crisis pregnancy counselling, clinical services, education and training. Through education programmes, clinics and information, they enable people to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and to understand their rights.

Germany

Terre Des Femmes is a German non-profit women’s rights organisation. They work to help girls and women live a free, safe, and self-determined life while holding equal and inalienable rights regarding all aspects of life.

The Association of Women’s Shelters supports women’s shelters and counselling centres throughout Germany and assists them in their political work. The association builds networks among a large number of national welfare organisations and affiliated institutions which helps get support to the women who need it.

USA

Girls Inc. is an organisation dedicated to raising a strong generation of women. They focus on development, with mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment and research-based programs to help girls get through it all. They also work to advocate for legislation and policies to increase opportunities for all girls out there.

A social justice organisation, Futures Without Violence, addresses some of the most high-profile issues today, including violence in the workplace to human trafficking, bullying and domestic violence, this organisation fights on all fronts.

Australia

White Ribbon Australia is a part of a global social movement working to eliminate gendered violence. They strive for an Australian society where all women and children are safe. White Ribbon is the world’s largest movement engaging men and boys to end men’s violence against women and girls, promote gender equality and create new opportunities for men to build positive, healthy and respectful relationships.

International Women's Development Agency has worked for more than 30 years to progress the rights and opportunities of women and girls. They have a clear vision that one day we will achieve gender equality, for all! Who wouldn’t agree with this aim?

If you’re interested in finding out more about how your European country ranks with gender equality, check out The European Institute for Gender Equality.

There are so many inspiring and worthy organisations out there we would never be able to list them all. If you know of any women’s charities we should know about let us know below!