13 Women’s Social Justice Organizations That #BreakTheBias
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Break the Bias,” which unpacks gender bias and discrimination within our society.
This global holiday celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. So, for International Women’s Day, we’re showcasing women’s organizations that are breaking the cycle of sexism and discrimination.
1. Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Their mission is simple: Give Black mothers equal rights and resources to help them before, during, and after their pregnancy. Unfortunately, Black mothers face the most discrimination when wanting to access maternal health care, which can lead to many complications for the mother. Luckily, this organization is using political action to fight against this.
2. National Latina Institute for Reproductive Injustice
Similar to Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this nonprofit fights for fundamental reproductive rights, respect, and justice for the Latin and Hispanic communities. Standing strong since 1994, they’ve made long-lasting changes at local, state, and national levels. Their main office is in New York City, but they also have activist groups in Florida, Texas, and Virginia.
3. The Pad Project
The 2019 Academy Award-winning film, Period. End of Sentence was created by the makers of The Pad Project. This organization inspires people everywhere to recognize and address period poverty. Globally, over 500 million menstruators do not have access to feminine hygiene products. Luckily, many organizations like The Pad Project are willing to combat this issue. The Pad Project’s mission is to end the stigma against periods, as well as give menstruators access to affordable hygiene products.
4. The Loveland Foundation
The Loveland Foundation creates a safe space for women of color. Rachel Cargle created this foundation after raising over $250 thousand for her therapy fund for Black women and girls. Additionally, they’ve partnered with organizations like the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network to ensure that all people of color truly feel heard.
5. Asian Mental Health Project
This Asian women-led organization helps end the stigma against mental health in the Asian community. Generally, there is a lack of knowledge when it comes to mental health, particularly because the symptoms aren’t necessarily visible. So, the Asian Mental Health Project hosts seminars and weekly check-ins that provide resources for individuals. Their sessions now offer translations in different languages like Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, and Tagalog.
6. The Latina Center
The Latina Center was created in 2000 in order to change the improvement and quality of life for the Latino community. They provide a plethora of services like leadership training for adolescent Latina girls and parenting programs. So, if you’re in Richmond, CA, and would like to help, check out their volunteer applications for more information.
7. Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI)
If you’ve seen the phenomenal documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, you’d know about the story of Marsha P. Johnson and all of the hard work she did for the LGBTQIA+ community. Founder Elle Moxley (she/her) and her team continue Johnson’s legacy with the Marsha P. Johnson Institute. This organization defends the human rights of Black transgender people. They also have five locations around the U.S., all with useful resources to youth centers, clinics, and mental health centers.
8. Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP)
I couldn’t talk about Marsha P. Johnson without mentioning Sylvia Rivera. Also known for advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, the Sylvia Rivera Law Project continues Rivera’s journey towards trans equality. Founded by Kimberly Mckenzie (she/her), Lacey Lynch (she/her), and Sasha Alexander (she/they/he), this project works towards gender equality and expression. They also provide different resources such as how to legally change your name, tips for incarcerated people, and legal action.
9. UN Women
UN Women is a UN organization that advocates for gender equality. Since they’re a UN foundation, they have a larger global scale. Their projects vary from humanitarian action to helping young leaders and women with disabilities. Like most of these organizations on this list, UN Women is also committed to holding leaders, perpetrators, and government officials accountable for their actions.
10. National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
This non-profit organization was made to bring awareness towards the violence and discrimination against Indigenous women. According to their website, more than four out of five Indigenous women experience violence in their lifetime. Also, on some reservations, Native women are 10 times more likely to be murdered on the national average. Using their campaigns and donating to their cause not only brings awareness to this devastating issue but also provides training and support to the victims.
11. Asian Women United
Founded in 1976, Asian Women United amplifies Asian women’s stories and experiences. They’ve created films and literature about the Asian experience, which tackle topics like stereotyping and activism. Their publications can be found in libraries and bookstores in the U.S., Canada, and Asia. For more information, check out their website, where you can find upcoming and past projects.
12. Muslim Women For
Muslim Women For is a social justice grassroots organization located in North Carolina. They provide political resources to Black, Brown, and Muslim women in order to educate and empower them. These resources include anything from blog posts to discussion panels. For instance, they hosted a workshop called “Blossom Into Your Healing Journey,” and host many courses like it. So, if you’re in the Cary or Raleigh area, check out their website to see if they’re hosting any events.
13. Diversability
“What happens when we look at disability as identity?”
Tiffany Yu, “The Power of Exclusion”
In 2018, Tiffany Yu gave a TEDx talk called, “The Power of Exclusion,” which tells the story of a car accident, resulting in her brachial plexus injury and the loss of her father. Her incredible speech addressed the topic of how it feels to be excluded in society because of a disability. Twelve years after the car accident, Yu created Diversability, which started as a student club at Georgetown University. This foundation raises disability awareness, visibility, and representation. Diversability is a place for people to understand that disabilities are empowering and not a burden.
Now that you know some organizations that are breaking the bias, we encourage you to do the same and take action against inequality.
