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Millions of women worldwide lack access to health care and reproductive services—basic human rights that allow them to lead long and healthy lives.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, there are countless ways you can have an impact on a local, national, or even global scale. Fundraising for women’s health care means you’ll be able to help lift the financial burden so women can get the information and care they need—and deserve.
Women’s health issues to support
There is still a lot of work to do to close the gender gap, and ensure that women worldwide have access to basic health care. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top issues related to women’s health that deserve attention.
1. Women’s reproductive rights
All women should have the ability to decide if and when to have children—yet, many factors hinder these important decisions.
Limited access to and funding for birth control, fertility treatments, abortions, and prenatal care significantly impact women’s health and overall well-being. As politicians battle to defund family planning services like Planned Parenthood, it’s more important than ever before to ensure women continue to have access to reproductive health care.
2. Universal health care access
Without access to basic health care, women face innumerable health-related obstacles. This can ultimately result in a shorter lifespan, or an inability to provide sufficient care for their own children.
A 2017 study by ProPublica revealed that the US has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world—a statistic illustrating that even developed countries have a long way to go when it comes to women’s health care.
3. Health education
When women receive adequate education about their health, they are better able to make informed decisions that will positively affect their future. Sexual education programs equip women with knowledge that is crucial for reducing infant mortality, STIs, and unwanted pregnancies.
4. Assault and abuse
The World Health Organization reports that 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced sexual or physical violence. Unfortunately, gender inequality is the leading reason for this type of violence. It’s no surprise that assault and abuse can have devastating effects on a woman’s mental and physical health, and can also negatively impact other aspects of her life—such as relationships, friendships, family life, and job performance. For these reasons, it is critical that women who have lived through assault receive the support and professional care they need, so they can reclaim their life and wellbeing.
Women’s health organizations to raise funds for
There’s no shortage of organizations that support young girls and women. If you want to partner with an organization that shares your values, but need help narrowing down your choices, here is a short list to get you started:
The United Nations Population Fund
This UN organization promotes planned pregnancies, safe childbirth, and the prevention of gender-based violence. They support an array of reproductive health services by partnering with governments and other organizations.
Planned Parenthood
Perhaps one of the best known advocates for sexual education and women’s reproductive rights, Planned Parenthood has offered health services to women for decades. The organization continues to fight for women’s right to affordable birth control and other reproductive services.
The Global Fund for Women
As an organization that proudly calls its members champions for equality, the Global Fund for Women has the goal of gender equality across the globe. They fund and work with organizations to help all women have access to basic human rights.
Girls Inc.
This nonprofit organization helps girls develop strengths and skills that allow them to become bold, confident women. Their main focus is helping girls understand health issues that affect them now, and will affect them in the future. They also teach girls the importance of body positivity.
Fundraising ideas for women’s health
If you’re coming up short on creative fundraising ideas for women’s health, we’ve put together a few of our favorite fundraising event ideas.
Partner with a local business for an event
You’re fundraising for serious issues, but you can still have some fun along the way. Hosting a fundraising charity event is a lighthearted way to bring the community together for a noble cause. You can ask a favorite local shop if they can host an event to benefit an organization that supports women’s rights, and ask local media to cover the event. Depending on the venue, you can coordinate everything from a workout class to a happy hour and have a portion of the proceeds go to your fundraising efforts.
Donate your birthday
Why not give back this year on your birthday? By asking for donations from your friends and family members instead of personal gifts, you can selflessly use your special day to support your favorite cause. You’ll find that more people will be willing to donate if you ask for a specific amount. For example, you can request that people donate between $10-25 (or more) to your birthday fundraiser.
Crowdfunding for women’s health
One of the easiest ways to raise money for organizations or causes close to your heart is through crowdfunding. You can set up a fundraiser online within minutes and effortlessly ask your friends and family members for their help.
Fundraising through GoFundMe makes it possible to extend your reach to people you’ve never even met who also care about women’s health issues. In fact, one of the most fulfilling aspects of online crowdfunding is seeing people from different walks of life unify around a common goal.
Successful crowdfunding campaigns for women’s health care
From women’s marches to global health initiatives, GoFundMe enables thousands of people every day to raise money for issues that matter. We’re proud to help women through financial hardships so they can lead healthier and happier lives. Here are a few stories of people who used crowdfunding to make a difference for women’s health:
GirlPower Gulu: Reproductive Health
Laura and her friends felt called to volunteer in Gulu, Uganda so they could provide reproductive education to the young women there.
Their goal was to equip women with knowledge of safe sex and menstruation to combat the rampant teen pregnancy in the area. They aimed to raise enough money to provide all women with enough sanitary pads for for an entire year. After just one month they raised nearly $2,000—over halfway to their fundraising goal.
Be A Lifeline For #JournosInCrisis
The International Women’s Media Foundation provides financial assistance to the staggering number of female journalists across the globe who have experienced violence, harassment, and sexual assault while reporting. The organization launched their fundraiser when they could no longer keep up with the overwhelming number of requests from women who had experienced abuse. The organization was able to raise over $10,000 in less than a month through their fundraiser.
