Five Organisations You Should Support This International Women’s Day

#EmbraceEquity this International Women’s Day.

If you didn't know already, today, Wednesday 8 March is International Women’s Day. It's a time when we can all come together and celebrate the achievements of all women across the globe, and continue the fight for equality, equity and fairness for all.

This year, International Women's day is all about embracing equity everywhere - from home to work, from schools to governments, and everywhere in our society. 

1. The Girls Refuge.

Formerly known as Young People’s Refuge, The Girls Refuge is one of Sydney’s first girls-only crisis centres.

Established in 1975, the centre supports over 200 women and girls every year who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk due to domestic or family violence, family breakdown, child abuse, trauma, separation from education, mental health issues, and alcohol and drug addiction.

Their mission is to empower young women and girls to become confident and responsible young people by providing a safe, educational and supportive home-like environment that allows young girls to build their communication skills, resilience and continue their education.

Specifically, they give priority to girls between the ages of 13 – 15 and young women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal women.

To help support The Girls Refuge and the empowering work that they do for young women and girls, you can donate here.

2. Australian Women’s Health Network.

The Australian Women’s Health Network (AWHN) is the country's national health promotion advocacy organisation. They provide a national voice on women’s health issues across all states and territories.

According to the AWHN, many women in Australia are living in poverty with a disabling or chronic illness, and the current health system in Australia has been designed to actively ignore the unique health needs of women.

The AWHN’s aim is to be the national voice for women’s health in Australia. They ensure that women are considered in the design and implementation of policies that could affect women’s health and advocate for fairness, representation, evidence, and policies that deliver fair and informed access to healthcare services for women.

If you want to assist the AWHN you can donate here or become a member today.

3. Muslim Women’s National Network Australia.

The Muslim Women’s National Network Australia (MWNNA) is Australia’s largest Muslim women’s organisation. They are the peak body representing Muslim women and children and were founded in 1990.

Celebrating women of all ages, occupations, ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds, the MWNNA are a sisterhood committed to running educational workshops on women’s health, relationships, motivation, and topical issues.

Their aims include education, maintaining good relationships with all Australians of other faiths and assisting refugees in need of assistance.

In 2003 the MWNNA worked with media executives and journalists to implement and discuss the impacts that negative stereotyping and misrepresentation has in the media.

Their changes now help to educate universities and journalism students on Islam to encourage the representation of multiculturalism in Australia and combat racial and religious discrimination.

You can find out more about the MWNNA and how to support their work on their website.

4. Country Women’s Association.

The largest women’s organisation is Australia encompassing over 25,500 members is the Country Women’s Association Australia (CWAA).

Formed in 1922 the CWAA strives to advance the rights and equity of women, families and communities through empowerment and advocacy all over Australia, especially parts of rural, regional and remote Australia.

They provide a strong voice to the Federal Government and work in conjunction with individual state and territory associations to advocate for women and families all over Australia.

The CWAA is often best known for the charity work that they do by making and selling baked goods and a good ‘ol cup of tea. And while they are proud of this work, they want all Australian’s to become aware of the amazing advocacy, support and equity work they do for women and children in rural Australia.

All CWAA’s are non-party-political, non-for-profit and non-sectarian, and are affiliated with the Associated Country Women of the World (ACCW) representing over 9 million women in 75 countries.

To help support the CWAA and all they do for women’s advocacy you can donate here.

You can also donate to help support those impacted by drought, fires and other natural disasters that often impact those living in country areas.

5. Toora Women Inc.

Assisting women and children facing homelessness, experiencing domestic violence or struggling with addiction, Toora Woman Inc. are a non-for-profit organisation that was founded in 1982.

Their mission is “safety, respect and choice for women.”

Now as a Registered Community Housing Provider, they aid women exiting prison, escaping abuse, struggling with addiction or in need of counselling services.

Located in the ACT, Toora Women Inc. provides health treatment services to more than 500 women and children every year.

To help support Toora Women Inc. and all they do to support vulnerable and at-risk women you can donate here.

If you can’t donate to any of these or other great organisations this year, don’t stress! There are plenty of other ways that you can support and advocate for women this International Women’s Day.

Shout out an inspirational woman in your life or help a friend or sister that you know needs a hand.

It’s your chance to choose to challenge.

This article was originally published on 8 March 2021 and was updated on 8 March 2023.