5 Organizations Building Support Systems for Women

While the fight for gender equality has come a long way in recent decades, women still face unique obstacles in the workplace, the economy, and the health care system. That's why organizations like the ones listed here strive to give women the opportunities they need to thrive, whether their goal is a law degree, a leadership role, or a place to live. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

Groups That Support & Empower Women

Organization Headquarters Location Mission
Ms. JD San Francisco, CA Support and improve the experiences of women law students and lawyers
New Moms Chicago, IL Serve young moms and children in Chicago who are experiencing poverty and homelessness
Adelante Mujeres Forest Grove, OR Provide holistic education and empowerment opportunities to low income Latina women and their families to ensure full participation and active leadership in the community
PCOS Challenge Atlanta, GA Raise public awareness about PCOS and help girls and women with the condition overcome their symptoms and reduce their risk for life-threatening related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer
New Friends New Life Dallas, TX Restore and empower formerly trafficked girls and sexually exploited women and children

Percentage Of Women In The Workforce

The percentage of men & women in the civilian labor force over time, according to the U.S. Department of Labor

Year Women Men
1950 29.6% 70.4%
1960 33.4% 66.6%
1970 38.1% 61.9%
1980 42.5% 57.5%
1990 45.2% 54.8%
2000 46.5% 53.5%
2010 46.7% 53.3%

Inspiring Quotes From Successful Women

  • "A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman." - Melinda Gates
  • "I believe that it is as much a right and duty for women to do something with their lives as for men and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us." - Louisa May Alcott
  • "One's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results." - Florence Nightingale
  • "If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!" - Sojourner Truth
  • "It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always." - Oprah Winfrey

The Power Of Women Helping Women

In Depth

Finding a network of support can be difficult, especially for women. Whether it be getting a helping hand with starting a new business or a young mother in need of basic financial and emotional assistance, meeting and connecting with others is vital for success. Associating with those who are experiencing similar challenges can be incredibly helpful and uplifting. Here, in no particular order, are five organizations devoted to providing women with strong networks of support.

Entering the list at #1 is Ms. JD, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the success of aspiring and early career women lawyers. Founded at Stanford Law School in 2006, it is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of students and recent graduates. The Global Education Fund enables female citizens in developing countries to pursue legal studies who otherwise would not have the opportunity to do so. Each year, the fund makes it possible for Ugandan women to follow their dreams of becoming attorneys by attending the law program at Makerere University in Uganda.

The goal of National Women Law Students' Organization is to support female law students, from brainstorming events to connecting chapters and affiliates with potential speakers in order to foster success in school, assist with job prospects, and enhance professional connections. You can help the cause by making a monthly or one-time financial contribution or by volunteering in such areas as development or outreach.

The goal of National Women Law Students' Organization is to support female law students, from brainstorming events to connecting chapters and affiliates with potential speakers in order to foster success in school, assist with job prospects, and enhance professional connections.

At #2 is New Moms, which works to provide help to young mothers and children experiencing poverty. It equips moms with the tools they need to pursue their goals such as job training, housing, and education. Its Family Support programs offer a wide range of services that utilize the Parents as Teachers model, which ensures that mothers become their children's first, best teachers. Services include prenatal and parenting education, home visits, and doula assistance.

The Job Training program is a sixteen-week paid curriculum that provides a blend of classroom and on-the-job coaching via its social enterprise company, Bright Endeavors. Participants are prepped in proper professional conduct, preparing for interviews, crafting the perfect resume, working effectively on a team, and conducting quality control. You can host a donation drive for food, toiletries, or diapers, or shop the official storefront for a beautiful homemade candle in support of the New Moms mission.

Coming in at #3 is Adelante Mujeres, which provides holistic education and empowerment opportunities to low-income Latina women and their families to ensure full participation and active leadership in the community. Its Adult Education Program offers participants the opportunity to complete high school and learn valuable skills that empower them to become leaders. Classes consist of GED preparation such as basic math, reading and writing, budgeting and personal finance, and job readiness training.

Classes consist of GED preparation such as basic math, reading and writing, budgeting and personal finance, and job readiness training.

Empresas Small Business Development teaches and supports small business owners to create a vibrant local economy and open up opportunities for all individuals to pursue their dreams. Its ten-week course covers how to register a company, marketing, and operations. To help Adelante Mujeres continue its support of Latino women, you can host a fundraising event in your home, or start a crowdfunding page.

The #4 organization is PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, which advocates for women and girls affected by this complex hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive disorder. Women with this illness are at risk for infertility, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. PCOS Advocacy Day gathers a passionate group of patients, supporters, and healthcare providers on Capitol Hill to ensure the federal government invests adequate resources in support programs, improving treatments, and finding a cure.

The PCOS Awareness Symposium features world-leading experts on polycystic ovary syndrome and brings together clinicians, researchers, affected women, and their supporters for a day of sharing experiences, insights, and the latest updates about the condition. You can support the mission by participating in a 5K Run or Walk or sign up to receive PCOS Challenge magazine, which provides information on diet, weight loss, infertility, and treatment solutions.

You can support the mission by participating in a 5K Run or Walk or sign up to receive PCOS Challenge magazine, which provides information on diet, weight loss, infertility, and treatment solutions.

Finishing up the list at #5 is New Friends New Life, which restores and empowers formerly trafficked girls and sexually exploited women and children. Through connections to education, job training, interim financial assistance, mental health, and spiritual support, they are able to overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, and poverty. The Youth Resource Center offers counseling, mentorship, career-building resources, and mindfulness workshops.

The Employment Partnership Program helps women who are ready to start their professional lives but have had limited chances to gain work experience. Participants are pre-screened to assess their career readiness in order to connect them to the best entry-level opportunities. They are taught soft and hard skills via educational groups and one-on-one sessions. You can support the mission by purchasing scarves specially crafted by survivors, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting New Friends New Life.