Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second American Supreme Court Justice who fought for women’s rights and gender equality throughout her career in law once said, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."

In celebration of International Women’s Day on the 8th of March 2021, SEEK Volunteer is shining the spotlight on some fantastic women-driven organisations and causes in support of women.

The campaign theme for IWD 2021 is ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world ’. If you are looking for a way to support women, challenge inequity or gender bias, or simply help the next generation of women grow to their full potential, the below organisations offer inspiring ways to get involved.

Zen Tea Lounge Foundation

Since 2017, this charity has provided a safe space for women affected by domestic violence, abuse and isolation. Their kitchen employs affected women, and all proceeds go back into their programs that unlock the financial and emotional freedom required to combat domestic violence. Inspired by their success stories, and having helped over 18,522 women, Zen Tea Lounge Foundation continues to empower those to escape and remain free of crisis and domestic violence.

View Zen Tea Lounge Foundation’s current volunteer opportunities

Multiple Birth Volunteer Support Foundation

The Multiple Birth Volunteer Support Foundation is a vibrant community organisation that is passionate about strengthening the health and wellbeing of multiple birth families, especially those with babies and toddlers in challenging situations. Their major service is recruiting, training and organising local volunteers to assist in family homes, caring for children. With the experience and academic research, the foundation believes that this type of care is one of the best ways to improve the lives of multiple birth families and are the only organisation in Australia offering this type of service.

View Multiple Birth Volunteer Support Foundation’s current volunteer opportunities

SheQu Group

SheQu is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to help, support and promote LBTQIA+ women from ethnic backgrounds. The organisation’s goal is to establish a safe LGBT+, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community for women to form meaningful connections and relationships. Their core missions are encouraging positive wellbeing, empowering a better sense of self, and enabling opportunities. Favourite this organisations on SEEK Volunteer so you can keep track of when volunteer opportunities arise.

View SheQu Group’s current volunteer opportunities

Below are some specific areas supporting women that may inspire you -

Supporting migrant women and their families

Volunteering for organisations that support migrants and refugees often involves teaching skills that might come naturally to you, such as the English language, driving and digital literacy skills – all essential to be self-reliant in Australian society. Organisations with a focus on empowering migrant women, such as Sisterworks, often seek out volunteers to teach skills in sewing, knitting and crocheting, as well as offer help in child companionship and parent support.

View current volunteer opportunities supporting migrant women and their families

Women’s human rights

Organisations that support women’s human rights exist to ensure women of all backgrounds and their children, no matter what, are free from violence and homelessness, and have access to basic human necessities. Organisations such as Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) seek to empower and provide women from multi-cultural backgrounds with the knowledge, tools and support needed to create peace at home and peace within their communities.

View current volunteer opportunities supporting women’s human rights

Supporting women who have experienced sexual abuse

There are a number of free and confidential support, information and referral helplines to support women who have experienced sexual violence. By volunteering with organisations such as Wire and SASS, you can help build a safer and healthier community. Favourite these organisations on SEEK Volunteer so you can keep track of when volunteer opportunities arise.

Supporting young women

Empowering young women to become confident adults and valuable contributors to society can look like many things. Volunteering as a youth leader for Girl Guides, for example, is a great way to get involved in outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and other challenging experiences that build resilience and offer young women lifelong lessons.

View current volunteer opportunities supporting young women

Supporting older women

Older women who live in aged care facilities or at home alone often thrive on conversation, games and companionship. There are numerous organisations and aged care facilities seeking a simple hour or longer from volunteers who enjoy chatting, having a cup of tea, hearing wonderful life stories, playing board games, going on outings or watching TV with older women.

View current volunteer opportunities supporting older women

There are many powerful ways to support gender equality, women’s rights and to help young girls realise their potential. Why not try volunteering? Start your search here.