How charities celebrated International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day celebrated the achievements and struggles of women globally while striving for gender equality. The 2024 celebration was held on 08 March with events across the UK.

The day started in 1911 when Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland first held the occasion to campaign for women’s rights, the vote, right to hold office and end discrimination.

The day has blossomed into a global phenomenon, celebrating women, gender identity, and anti-discrimination. In the UK, charities chimed into the #EmbraceEquity theme.

Showcasing the triumphs of women’s charities in the country, we dig deep and unveil some of the most impactful efforts.

Bloody Good Period

The name of the charity itself challenges convention and opens up the conversation. Bloody Good Period aims to normalise periods by removing ‘dirty’ language around menstruation. For refugees and underserved women, the charity provides free period products. The impact is large – the free service improves wellbeing and makes women feel valued and dignified.

Why we love them: Check out their social media profile. Provocative imagery goes a long way to engaging audiences while reducing the shame around having periods. 

DevelopHer

Blending digital and female empowerment, DevelopHer looks to elevate women in the tech industry. The organisation holds speaking engagements, where women can meet-up and be inspired. The charity also has mentoring and coaching programmes.

Whey we love them: STEM statistics consistently show a shortage of women in the field. DevelopHer helps address that lack of representation.

Glitch

Tackling a growing problem, Glitch addresses online abuse and encourages good digital citizenship. They have been inspiring audiences and policymakers with groundbreaking research. The latest piece talks about misogyny and how black women are dehumanised online.

Why we love them: The charity successful campaigned OFCOM to add a clause in The Online Safety Act to protect women and girls.

Malala Fund

The Malala Fund is of no surprise on this list. From an early age, Malala Yousafzai demonstrated herself to be a force in women’s education. Her namesake charity supports girls and women going to school in countries where they lag behind.

Why we love them: Malala, a heroine herself, is giving back.

Refuge

Unfortunately, there are many women and children facing domestic violence. Refuge provides temporary accommodation, community, and support services for victims. They also acknowledge that abuse can happen online.

Why we love them: The charity took a stand on abusers sharing intimate images of someone without consent. Refuge lobbied for legal changes and ultimately, amendments were added to the Domestic Abuse Bill.

Reengage

The charity works with those over the age of 75 dealing with isolation and loneliness. For those who have recently lost someone, Reengage organises call companions for a chat. One of the most touching services this charity offers is the Rainbow call companion. These calls befriend LGBTQ+ people who are suffering from loneliness and offer friendship.

Why we love them: The founder, Trevor Lyttleton, MBE, was inspired by an older lady living across the street from him. His concern turned into Reengage.

Tech She Can

Tech She Can focuses on addressing the gender gap in technology. The charity makes tech more accessible to children and young women. They note that only 3% of A-level and university-aged females are interested in tech as their first career choice. The charity produces videos that take aim at how tech is embedded in each ‘type’ of profession.

Why we love them: Tech She Can delivers on-demand videos for school-aged and adolescence girls to pique interest in the tech field.

Girls Out Loud

While not a charity, Girls Out Loud is a social enterprise that takes mentoring to whole new level. Working with young girls, there’s coaching programmes and workshops that are delivered in schools. The flagship Big Sisters programme links those with life experience and girls who are identified by their schools.

Why we love them: Girls Out Loud tackles some of the deepest issues for children, including vaping, female energy and isolation.

MSI Reproductive Choices (Marie Stopes)

MSI Reproductive Choices carries out some of the most impactful work across 37 countries. The charity provides reproductive health services and clinics in the UK. While choice is not restricted in the UK, it is in other countries. MSI Reproductive Choices campaigns for reproductive rights, and has been a strong voice in #StandForChoice, the movement in the US post-Roe vs Wade.

Why we love them: MSI Reproductive Choices not only provides choices but ultimately works to ensure maternal health and reduction in mortality.