It’s International Women’s Day! Here Are 24 Ways You Can Legit Help Women
Hey, it's International Women's Day today (but also every day, ya know?!). IWD dates back more than 100 years, to 1909, when female activists in New York were demanding voting rights and better pay. Now it's a day to work for equality around the globe while celebrating the accomplishments of women. To help you get in on the action this year, we asked the ladies we most admire for their best tips and advice on how to actually make a difference in other women's lives today and every day. Because, in the words of of Rep. Lauren Underwood, the youngest Black woman ever elected to Congress, "Girlfriends, we need you!" Read on and be inspired.
Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator (D-CA) and 2020 presidential candidate, @kamalaharris
"What's happening at the border is a human rights abuse. I've met with mothers being held at detention centers who risked everything to get to the United States with the hope that their children could have a better future and whose children were taken from them. What I heard from them is that they think no one has their backs. We need to remind these hundreds of women still being held at the border that they are not alone. On International Women's Day, let's make our voices heard-donate to an organization working with these families, call or write your representatives in Washington and tell them that ripping babies away from their parents is not who we are as Americans. Women have proven time and again that when we stand together in solidarity we are a powerful force for change."
Isabella Boylston, principal dancer, American Ballet Theatre, @isabellaboylston
“Start a talking circle with your friends or colleagues. You can learn so much from listening to other women, especially those from different backgrounds. A talking circle is a great way to empower women to speak up and plant the seeds for change.”
Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO of FEED, @laurenblauren
“Be a conscious consumer and put your money behind brands that support female artisans, fair labor practices, and training and development opportunities for women, allowing them to be competitive in male-dominated marketplaces. My company, FEED, just launched a collection of stunning artisan-made bags for IWD that provide school meals and employment for female artisans.”
Janel Parrish, actress and star of Pretty Little Liars and The Perfectionists, @janelparrish
“Collaborate instead of competing. When women support one another, it’s the most powerful thing. Put your heads together when you’re with your girls and create together!”
Sophia Amoruso, founder and CEO of Girlboss, @sophiaamoruso
"I've just recently heard about I Fund Women, a Kickstarter of sorts to enable anyone to support women entrepreneurs. Everything from podcasters to fully-blown small businesses are featured, making it easy to put your money where your mouth is."
Lena Waithe, writer, producer, and actor, @lenawaithe
“Donate whatever you can to support Planned Parenthood health centers, or donate your time as a Planned Parenthood volunteer.”
Anna O’Brien, author and fashion influencer, @glitterandlazers
“Before I was an influencer, I worked in technology, which is pretty much all white men. I often think about how it’s impossible for the tech ecosystem to support women's needs if we’re not helping building it ourselves. The only way to do that is to give women the skills to actually compete. For International Women’s Day, donate to Black Girls Code, which teaches young women of color to be the tech entrepreneurs of the future.”
Zara Larsson, singer and songwriter, @zaralarsson
"One way you can support women is by donating to South Africa’s Keeping Girls in School program. Education is key to young women becoming empowered and being able to make a real difference in the world."
Stacey Abrams, founder and chair of Fair Fight and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate, @staceyabrams
"The idea that women deserve a seat at the table extends to their right to vote. Like so many systemic barriers, women of color are the most likely to bear the brunt of discriminatory voting practices. By calling your local legislators to demand an end to rampant voter purges, a more fair allocation of resources, the use of hand-marked paper ballots, and the end of voter ID, women can ensure their voices are heard at the ballot box and beyond."
Lizzie Armanto, professional skateboarder and Vans team rider, @lizziearmanto
“I'm spending IWD skateboarding and sharing my passion with women and girls at a skate workshop. I’ve seen how when girls are able to grab a skateboard, they can really build confidence, and it’s great for community building. When you can help people find their passion and put their energy into something and feel accomplished, it boosts their self-esteem and shapes their identity.”
Chelsea Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton Foundation and author of She Persisted, @chelseaclclinton
“An issue that often flies under the radar is diaper need. One in three families struggle to buy enough diapers to keep a baby clean, dry, and healthy-and no mother should ever have to worry about being able to provide what’s best for their baby. I’m so grateful for the National Diaper Bank Network and its partners, which help families access diapers. I hope everyone will learn more about the diaper gap in our country and support their local diaper bank.”
Danielle Weisberg & Carly Zakin, cofounders & co-CEOs, theSkimm, @dmweisberg, @czakin
"Always ask to bring a plus one. When we were first starting out, we relied on a network of incredible women who helped open doors for us and introduced us to people who have helped us grow our business. Since then, we try to pay it forward by inviting one woman to join us for any event or meeting that they may not otherwise have access to. We understand the power of networking and this is an easy way to help connect women at all levels."
Blair Imani, activist and author of Lifting As We Climb: The Great Migration & The Black American Dream, forthcoming in 2020, @blairimani
“When you talk about women, make sure you’re not just talking about white women, or straight women, or abled women, or Christian women. I often see historians claim that women first entered the workplace during the 1940s, but Black women have always been a part of the workforce going back to when we were enslaved. When people cite 1920 as the year when women achieved suffrage it erases Native American women, who did not even have citizenship until the Indian Citizenship Act passed in 1924, and women of color, who could not exercise their right to vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The future includes more narratives, not less-and it will take all of us speaking up at home, at work, and with friends to change the way history telling happens.”
Dr. Leana Wen, president, Planned Parenthood, @drleanawen
"We need your help to protect the health care access and reproductive rights of four million individuals around the country. Learn more about the Trump administration’s attacks on Title X, the nation's only program for affordable birth control and reproductive health care, by texting TITLEX to 22422. And learn what you can do to fight by texting NOGAG to 22422."
Norma Kamali, fashion designer, @normakamali
"Mentor a public high-school student. Take the time on a Saturday or at the end of a day to make sure they are grasping their studies and getting the extra help they need to make sure they’re accepted into college so they can take the next step toward their goals."
Lauren Underwood, U.S. Representative (D-IL), @laurenaunderwood
“Find an organization or cause that’s meaningful to you and donate your time. I started as a Girl Scout, then became a volunteer on my local housing board in high school, which drew me to nursing, and later led me to run for Congress. It’s never too early to start-and no role is too small. Girlfriends, we need you! Our communities are stronger when we hear the voices of young women.”
Leanne Pittsford, founder of Lesbians Who Tech, @lepitts
“Make as much money as you possibly can. And then invest those funds in the things and people you believe in. Using our economic power is our civic duty. One thing all women and non-binary folks should do is learn how to invest in the stock market. I recommend this udemy course as a great place to start.”
Claire Sliney, 2019 Oscar winner and executive producer, Period. End of Sentence., @clairesliney
“Hold a menstrual supply drive! Collect unopened tampons and pads from members of your community and donate them to your local women’s homeless shelter or community center. Homeless women often lack access to affordable, hygienic menstrual products, and pads aren’t a commonly donated item."
Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Shout and Speak, @halseanderson
"Hundreds of thousands of rape kits sit untested in police storage units across the country. As if that wasn’t outrageous enough, few states and no federal agencies require law enforcement to count or process those kits. Victims who allowed evidence of their attack to be collected from their bodies have been denied justice by the police and the courts. Every Kit Counts, a partnership of sexual assault awareness groups like RAINN and the National Center of Victims of Crime, works to require the testing of all rape kits. Supporting their work is a practical way to support justice for victims of sexual violence."
Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run For Something, @amandalitm
“Run for office! No man would ever second-guess his qualifications, and you shouldn't, either. Two things you can do right now to get started: First, ask yourself what problem in your community you want to solve and identify the office that would let you solve it. And then, reach out to Run for Something, Emerge America, EMILY's List, or any number of amazing organizations that help women like you run. We'll train you up and connect you with other female candidates, and you'll be part of a movement of women finally claiming our power. Let's go!”
Lala Kent, actress, beauty mogul and star of Vanderpump Rules, @lalakent
“Extend a quick thank you to the women in your life. This International Women’s Day, I would urge you to send out three quick, personalized thank-you notes to different women who inspire or have impacted you. Let’s lift each other up and support each other in every aspect of life.”
Samantha Fishbein, co-Founder of Betches Media and co-Host of The Sup, @sami
“The Ms. Foundation for Women, co-founded by Gloria Steinem, is now focusing its energy on supporting women and girls of color who get the least amount of philanthropic dollars but need our funds the most. By working through grassroots organizations, they might help one girl get access to contraceptives and another get connected to a mentor.”
Sierra Tishgart and Maddy Moelis, founders of Great Jones, @sierratishgart, @maddymoelis
"Recognize when you're creating or joining a group of women that's disproportionately white, and take action to address that. We're working to add diversity to our Great Jones team right now, and when we're asked to be on panels or do brand collaborations, we urge and expect our potential partners to do the same."
Jasmine Guillory, author of The Proposal | @jasminepics
“Women are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity-especially single mothers and women living alone. I encourage everyone to give to your local food bank to help the women in your community who most need your help. It’s always best to give money, not food; because of discounts and matching funds, they can do far more with your money at the grocery store than you can, so even a few dollars can help a lot.”
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