Talent Citizen celebrates Women’s History Month this March—a very special month for our woman-led and majority women team! As the world continues to face a multitude of crises, gender continues to be a salient factor in social justice efforts. This month’s pieces invited us to think critically about how investment in women leaders and organization can help advance equity and justice in the U.S. and around the world.
The articles and resources we found uplifted women’s stories, leadership, and organizations, which inspired conversations and reflections within our team and are helping to inform the work we do with our mission-driven partners across the nonprofit and higher education sectors.
Resources we are finding especially relevant and informative this month are:
From Afghanistan to Palestine, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Colombia, the women’s organizations featured in this article from the United Nations exemplify the resilience and strength of women around the globe. These female leaders play a crucial role in providing aid, support, and advocacy amidst crises. Despite facing immense challenges such as funding shortages, displacement, and security risks, these organizations remain resilient. They offer vital lifelines to vulnerable communities and their efforts underscore the urgent need for sustained support and investment in their work, especially considering less than one percent of official development aid directly supports women’s rights organizations.
IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy | Women & Girls Index
If you’re wondering what organizations in the U.S. exist that are dedicated to women and girls, check out the Women & Girls Index (WGI). This resource is part of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Equitable Giving Lab initiative and serves as a comprehensive tool measuring charitable giving to U.S. organizations focused on women and girls. We were encouraged to see how much philanthropic support has increased over recent years to women’s funds and foundations, and recognize that philanthropic resources are critical in the face of increased attacks on women’s rights.
In this opinion piece, Sayu Bhojwani, founder of New American Leaders and Women’s Democracy Lab, highlights the ongoing exhaustion experienced by women leaders of color. Bhojwani points out challenges faced by women leaders of color, which have been heightened since the pandemic, including calls for higher pay and a greater role in decision-making by staff and the recent decrease in philanthropic support that had been buoyed by the racial justice movements of 2020. By making the case for providing funding for community building and wellness gatherings, embracing alternative leadership models, and engaging with staff members beyond just the executive director, Bhojwani advocates for philanthropic organizations and supporters to prioritize the well-being of women of color leaders to alleviate pressure and support sustainable leadership.
Kennedy Phillips from Women4Change Indiana reflects on the impactful role of her family, particularly her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, in shaping her political awareness and aspirations. She encourages active participation in the political process, including voting and volunteerism, and emphasizes the significance of honoring both renowned icons and everyday women who inspire and pave the way for future generations. Through her personal story, Phillips reminded our team to keep exercising our right to vote and of the important collaboration among individuals, communities, and organizations that’s necessary to keep fighting for equity and justice.
