How to support women’s charities in Australia
Every day, women and girls face disproportionate social, economic and cultural challenges. Despite significant progress in gender equality, women in Australia still face disparities in key areas such as lower pay and an increased risk of gender-based violence.
Fortunately, nonprofits and other organisations across the country are taking action to help address these issues and assist marginalised groups – including rural and Indigenous communities who face heightened difficulties.
In this article, we explore the various women’s charities in Australia that are fighting for gender equality, including helpful information on how you can support them.
Why women’s charities matter and why you should help
Women’s charities and nonprofit organisations operate vital support services and fight for equality, reproductive rights, education and support for marginalised groups. Unfortunately, women in Australia face ongoing challenges in their pursuit of equality and empowerment.
Some statistics from the Australian Government’s Status of Women Report Card 2024 include:
- Based on full-time average weekly earnings, the national gender pay gap is 12% ($238 per week).
- Women in Australia would need to work an additional 44 days a year to earn the same as men.
- 9% of CEOs in the ASX300 are women.
This is why it’s so important that charities get the support they need to truly make a difference, so they can positively impact the lives of women living in Australia and worldwide.
How you can help women’s charities in Australia
There are several ways to get involved in national and local women’s charities and advocate for women and girls.
Volunteer with women’s charities
Give the gift of your time and use your skills to benefit a women’s charity. Many organisations don’t have the resources or budget to fulfil their purpose without the generosity of volunteers.
Not only is volunteering hugely beneficial to charities and those in need, but it also rewards volunteers with a sense of purpose and achievement.
Here are a few charitable organisations in Australia that welcome volunteers:
- Women of Colour: Make a tangible impact on the inclusion and representation of women of colour in Australia.
- Share the Dignity: Assist in collecting, sorting, logging and delivering period product donations to charity partners.
- Women’s Community Shelters: Help with the day-to-day running of one of their shelters and support fundraising events.
- Support the Girls: Support the distribution of supportive bras and essential hygiene products to women and girls who are less privileged.
Fundraise for charities
Raise money and get the word out about your favourite women’s charity. In just minutes, you can start a GoFundMe for a certified charity or a women’s cause close to your heart.
Here are six women’s charities in Australia you can consider supporting:
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance: Advocates and empowers the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia. Aims to secure economic, political, social, educational, cultural and environmental futures for those communities.
- Open Haven: One of the leading domestic violence charities in Australia that provides a safe and confidential place for women who are survivors of domestic abuse to gain emotional and practical support. Offers an array of professional services to help women understand and navigate the associated challenges.
- Breast Cancer Trials: Finds new and better treatments and prevention strategies for every person affected by breast cancer. One of the world’s leading breast cancer research organisations, formed by a group of doctors and researchers based in Australia and New Zealand.
- Women’s Legal Service Queensland: Provides legal advice and support with domestic and family violence, family separation or divorce, parenting and child safety. Includes arrangements for property settlements, child support, protecting counselling notes in sexual assault matters and more.
- SisterWorks: Offers employment and entrepreneurship support for migrant, refugee and asylum seeker women in gaining confidence and economic independence. Provides hands-on learning opportunities and programmes delivered in a safe and supportive environment.
- Dress for Success: Helps unemployed and underemployed women in Australia achieve economic independence. Provides no-fee programmes, development tools and professional attire to thrive in work and life – overcoming bias and discrimination in the workplace.
Participate in International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is an annual global event that takes place on March 8th. It’s an inclusive event that encourages all people to come together to celebrate and advocate for women’s rights.
The event is usually themed in some way – for example, International Women’s Day 2024 was focused on the theme Inspire Inclusion: “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.”
Regardless of the theme, the day provides an opportunity to advocate for women’s rights, whether that’s supporting gender equality in the workplace or domestic violence charities in Australia.
Support women’s rights today with GoFundMe
Feeling inspired and wanting to have a positive impact on the lives of over 13 million women and girls in Australia? Ready to action a fundraising idea you have in mind?
You can fundraise for a charity of your choice and help raise awareness against bias and inequality using GoFundMe. Thousands of people use our market-leading platform every day to make a difference in someone’s life, supporting vulnerable individuals and communities.
If you want to start supporting women’s charities today, then we’ve got you covered.