“Historically, women in the United States have participated voraciously in civic life, registering and voting at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980,” Jennifer Weiss-Wolf wrote for TIME. And yet, “[t]he U.S. pales in comparison to women’s political authority in much of the world, too, including among peer democracies.”

Striving for equality is a core value here at Give Lively. We personally review every membership application to ensure each member nonprofit aligns with our values, including a requirement that our members never advocate against or deny the rights of women or female-presenting people. We support the ongoing efforts of women to achieve full equality, especially in post-Roe America.

Women's Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every year on August 26th, not only commemorates the ratification in 1920 of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (which makes it illegal to deny the right to vote to any citizen based on their sex), but also acknowledges that it was an additional 45 years before many women of color were given suffrage through the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 

On this 50th anniversary of Women’s Equality Day, we are proud to share five Give Lively member nonprofits that are working to protect women’s rights and strive for equality. We know that even 50 years on, the work is vital, timely and inspiring. 

The nonprofits

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All In Together

This nonprofit encourages, equips, educates and empowers voting-age women to participate fully in America’s civic and political life. The organization’s vision is a truly representative American democracy, influenced at every level by the intersectional perspective and wisdom of women from every background and perspective. AIT empowers and mobilizes women across the racial, economic and political spectrum to become advocates and leaders at work and in their communities. Committed to collaboration and inclusion, AIT will not stop until all women have full and equal voice in our democracy.

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Equality Now, Inc

The mission of this nonprofit organization is to achieve legal and systemic change that addresses violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world. Equality Now recognizes that the law has historically been used to marginalize, disenfranchise and oppress, and that women and girls have been especially impacted by discriminatory laws that treat them as second-class citizens. But the nonprofit envisions a world where the law is used to promote equality rather than codify misogyny, where constitutions respect human rights rather than embed discrimination and where the criminal justice system arbitrates with integrity rather than perpetuates harmful gender and racial stereotypes.

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Feminist Press

Founded in 1970, the Feminist Press publishes books that ignite movements and social transformation to build a more just future. FP seeks to champion intersectional and nuanced works that spark much-needed dialogue and move the feminist conversation forward. As a book publisher with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit model, the organization is able to publish books that amplify much-needed, cutting-edge conversations regardless of the market. In addition to supporting its operations and outreach, contributions from donor partners help it create and promote diverse and insurgent books, accessible events and programming, and a book donation initiative. 

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Legal Voice

Serving Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Alaska since 1978, Legal Voice (formerly Northwest Women's Law Center) pursues justice for all women and girls in the Northwest, through ground-breaking litigation, legislative advocacy, and legal rights education. The organization brings cases that change the law for women and their families in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, and participates as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in cases affecting women throughout the nation. Legal Voice also drafts, analyzes, and advocates for bills affecting women and their families in Washington State, and provides assistance and model legislation to advocates around the region. Finally, they empower people to make decisions and advocate for themselves and their families through our education materials and community forums.

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Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights

Partnering with women’s movements worldwide, Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights is a feminist fund that protects, strengthens and sustains women and transgender human rights defenders at critical moments. The nonprofit intervenes quickly when activists are poised to make great gains or face serious threats to their lives and work. Women’s human rights defenders can expect a response from the nonprofit within 72 hours and receive funds within 1-7 days.

Urgent Action Fund builds the resilience of women’s rights and LGBT rights movements through rapid response grants in many world regions; advocacy and alliance-building; and collaboration as part of the Global Consortium of Urgent Action Funds with its sister funds: Urgent Action Fund-Africa, Urgent Action Fund-Latin America and Urgent Action Fund-Asia Pacific.