Women’s History Month: Supporting the Next Generation of Trailblazers

This March, we join the global community in celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. It’s a time to honor the trailblazers who defied expectations and to support the modern leaders continuing the fight for gender equity and social progress.

The theme for 2026, "Give to Gain," reminds us that when we invest in women and girls, the entire world benefits. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy or financial support, your actions create a ripple effect that strengthens the economy while narrowing the gender gap.

From Early Blueprints to Global Movements

Women’s history is a story of "innovation by necessity." Long before they were granted equal seats at the table, women were engineering solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems, much like the grassroots nonprofits we support today:

• Pioneering environmental science: Before "sustainability" was a buzzword, Jeanne Villepreux-Power invented the first glass aquarium to study marine life, laying the groundwork for modern ocean conservation efforts.

• Engineering everyday safety: In 1903, Mary Anderson patented the windshield wiper. Like today’s urban safety advocates, she saw a problem in her environment and created a solution that has saved countless lives.

• Advancing global health: Alice Ball developed the most effective treatment for leprosy in the early 20th century. Her legacy lives on through medical charities fighting for accessible healthcare in underserved regions.

• Breaking the "paper" ceiling: Margaret Knight invented the machine that creates flat-bottomed paper bags, successfully fighting a legal battle against a man who claimed a woman "could not understand the mechanics." Her grit mirrors the spirit of today’s female entrepreneurs and economic justice advocates.

   

5 Ways to Close the Gender Gap and "Give to Gain" this March

If you’re ready to turn inspiration into impact, here are a few ways to support women and girls during Women’s History Month and beyond:

• Support women-focused charities: A direct way to drive change is to fund organizations that protect legal rights, address reproductive health and provide economic opportunity.

  • Take a look at our Women’s Advocacy and Economic Opportunity and Women's Reproductive Health & Family Support lists to find top-rated charities working to solve issues impacting women.

• Promote education and STEM: Many charities are closing the gender gap in technology and education by providing access to STEM training. Supporting these initiatives ensures the next generation of women inventors has the tools they need to succeed.

  • Use our Horizon AI Search (Beta) to find highly rated STEM charities.

• Shop women-owned businesses: Economic empowerment is a cornerstone of equality. This month, make a conscious effort to spend with women-owned shops.

• Advocate for policy change: Use your voice to support legislation that addresses the gender pay gap, parental leave and workplace protections. Awareness is the first step toward systemic reform.

• Mentor a future leader: Share your skills. Many nonprofits seek professionals to mentor young women entering the workforce, providing the guidance and networking they need to break through glass ceilings.

   

Making an Impact Beyond Women’s History Month

While Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day are powerful moments of global solidarity, the challenges women face — from healthcare disparities and gender gaps to economic barriers — require year-round attention.

When you choose to support a woman-focused charity through a recurring monthly gift, you provide the fuel these organizations need to move from crisis response to long-term change. Let’s make the spirit of "Give to Gain" a permanent part of how we build a more equitable world!