4 Organizations Changing the Course for Women
4 Organizations Changing the Course for Women
As a female living in the United States, I consider myself relatively blessed. I’m able to wake up every morning in a comfortable bed, go to the refrigerator for breakfast, and attend school without fear of any violence. I’m encouraged to dream big and pursue my goals, and having a husband is only a benefit, not the be-all-end-all to my story.
However, across the world, girls my age face a different fate. Whether it’s being persecuted for being at school, forced into child marriage, or faced with the dilemma of supporting a family, different cultures face different problems when it comes to overcoming gender stigmas. To counter these problems, organizations throughout the world are working to help make the world a better place for women. Check out the top four organizations empowering girls with their products:
Find Our Girls
Find Our Girls is a relatively new organization, but a powerful nevertheless. Prathusha Yeruva, although only fifteen years old, knew that she wanted to do something to empower girls in different countries. Find Our Girls seeks to raise awareness of female infanticide, the gender-selective abortions sponsored throughout several countries. For more information about this empowering organization, visit their site here [www.findourgirls.wix.com/findourgirls].
Girls Who Code
Did you know that women are largely unrepresented in the careers of computer science and technology? Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, realized this dilemma and wanted to do something to encourage girls to try these fields. Girls Who Code offers school clubs, summer immersion programs, and incredible opportunities that open girls’ eyes to the possibilities of coding. Visit their site [www.girlswhocode.com] to get involved in the movement!
Yatra Collection
My favorite clothes are more than just fabric sewn together for commercial benefit, but rather stitched with love and integrity. The Yatra Collection [ (www.yatracollection.com)] doesn’t just create clothes with style, but attaches a message of meaning and hope for each item. Yatra supports local artisans in India by giving them training and job opportunities, and in return the women return to support their communities. Companies who do good together, stay together!
A21
The A21 Campaign[ (www.a21.org) ] combats 21st century sex trafficking through prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership. Whether it’s working on-location in developing nations to end sex trafficking or raising awareness in the USA, this organization is making a ripple in the ocean of social change.
With so many important issues affecting women, nothing’s more amazing than seeing leaders of organizations and companies contribute their time to providing opportunities for our women.
Do you have a favorite organization that empowers girls? Let us know in the comments below!
Julia Schemmer is a senior from Norco High School, where she participates in five AP classes, is the president of the Female Empowerment Club and Link Crew, and publicist of Chinese Culture Club, American Cancer Society, and the FIDM Fashion Club. Aside from managing the communications at Her Culture, she is the founder of She Speaks Media and The Face of Cancer, editor for The Prospect Magazine, editor in chief of Motivation Daily, and contributor for the Huffington Post. Her future endeavors consist of becoming an international human rights lawyer, foreign correspondent, diplomat, and finally seeing the day where Leonardo DiCaprio wins an Oscar.