New Coalition Highlights Need for Gender Equality Investments

The following letter is from a new coalition of gender equality organizations called WomenForward. They are a diverse group, encompassing direct service nonprofits as well as global mentoring networks, and more. The coalition was launched earlier this month by  The PIMCO Foundation, a corporate donor from the financial sector.

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Skaters from WomenForward coalition member, Figure Skating in Harlem

These kinds of connections are one of the strengths of women’s philanthropy — being able to build broad-based coalitions that cut across multiple sectors to find a shared agenda. Check out the letter, and make sure to visit some of the organization’s websites, to get a sense of all the good that is happening out there in the world, despite the many challenges for women in our economy and culture.

Open Letter from WomenForward Coalition Leaders

Open Letter from WomenForward Coalition Leaders

Dear Changemakers, We write to you as a network for change – as 12 nonprofits and one funder – intent on empowering and advancing girls and women around the world. Our group is tearing down barriers to education for young women in post-conflict and developing countries; combatting rape culture by empowering survivors; championing  girls’ voices by providing mentors; helping low-income and immigrant women launch new careers and start or scale new businesses; and so much more. Achieving gender equality can’t be done just by eradicating violence against women, preventing early and forced marriage, or ensuring that women have the same access to educational and financial resources as men. Achieving true gender equality means tackling a host of complex issues, many deeply ingrained societal barriers that prevent progress. It requires a dedicated global partnership that brings together governments, civil society, and the private sector. How can you help? Join us.  

Put your dollars to work! Support organizations that build sustainable opportunities for women and girls in the U.S. and globally. Shop merchants like Mercado Global, Nomi Network, Plum Alley, Same Sky, Shopping for a Change, Hot Bread Kitchen and Thistle Farms.  Your purchasing power can offer on-the-job training, provide employment, and fund community improvement projects for women. Get involved. Consider investing (using your time or money) with a gender lens. Additional partners who support sustainable efforts are: Callisto, Figure Skating in Harlem, Girls Write Now, Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA), Plan International USA, Rising Tide Capital, SHE-CAN, Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE), and Trickle Up.

We are all looking for champions to help us further our respective and collective missions.

Use your voice to advocate. Mentor, speak up for your vulnerable neighbor, share stories of hope or action, and advocate for women’s rights and opportunities through research, policy platforms, and communications with your elected officials. Consider finding a friend or 12 friends like we did; you can connect and conspire for good, together, and really amplify your voice. Your voice, whether written or spoken, is a symbol of your leadership.

Use your mouse. If you do nothing else, learn more about us and visit our websites (hyperlinked below). Or follow us on social media. With a few clicks, you can make quite an impact.    We’ve seen just how women can come together around the world to advocate for their rights. Let’s harness the power of women working together. Please join us to unlock the potential of women around the world as we tear down the walls standing in the way of full economic, social, and political inclusion. We’ve acknowledged the challenges, we’ve prepared the actions we need to take to right the wrongs, and so let’s get out there and do it: now.   Callisto Figure Skating in Harlem Girls Write Now Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) Hot Bread Kitchen Mercado Global Plan International USA Rising Tide Capital SHE-CAN Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE) Thistle Farms Trickle Up The PIMCO Foundation

Related:

Why We Must All Care About the SDGs – And What They Are

Pivoting Toward Power: How Melinda Does Gates Giving Differently

Prioritizing Gender Equality: A Response to the Gates Annual Letter

Author: Kiersten Marek

Kiersten Marek, LICSW, is the founder of Philanthropy Women. She practices clinical social work and writes about how women donors and their allies are advancing social change.

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