by Mary Manning, Heidelberg IWC and VP Global Issues
At the end of the year, many of us are looking for ways to show support for organizations whose values reflect our own and who work tirelessly for the causes that are closest to our hearts. While there are many charities out there doing this important work, we chose to highlight just a few that you may wish to consider for your charitable donations this year.
- NO MORE – This organization, which is dedicated to “ending domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling cultural change,” will be familiar to many FAWCO members. Melissa Morbeck, the Global Director of Partnerships, was one of one featured speakers at the Human Rights in Focus conference. Our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence toolkit includes a link to the NO MORE Directory, a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive international directory of domestic violence and sexual assault resources in every country around the world. While making your donation, you can also access valuable information and resources on their website on how to recognize domestic/sexual violence, what to do when you see it, and how to stop it before it happens.
- WingWoman Lebanon – This organization was one of three finalists for Target Project 5 and provides an excellent example of the intersection of human rights and the environment. Its mission is to provide access to reusable hygiene products, reduce waste in the environment and provide independent income for women. CG Fund Lebanon, an NGO co-founded by AWC Lebanon member Monica Jubayli, is collecting donations to provide reusable period products for women and diapers for babies in Gaza. A donation of $45 buys a set of 3 reusable diapers and 12 towel inserts, while $15 buys a pack of 8 reusable period pads.
- Room to Read – With a mission of creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, this charity is a perfect example of the intersection of human rights and education. Room to Read helps children in historically low-income communities develop literacy skills and a habit of reading, and supports girls to build skills to succeed in secondary school and make their own life choices. It was founded in 2000 and has already benefited more than 39 million children across 23 countries.
- Roots of Health is an organization empowering women and children in the Philippines by providing reproductive health education and services to break the cycle of poverty. Their website explains how they provide family planning counseling, contraceptives, prenatal check-ups and pap smears, including through visits to the remote communities that would otherwise lack access to these services.
- The FAWCO Foundation – Don’t forget that our own FAWCO Foundation provides Development Grants and Education Awards and supports the Target Project. You can specify where you would like to direct your donation as well as read more about how to apply for a Development Grant for a charity that you or your club support.