It's International Women's Day

And we know how you can make an impact

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is “Accelerate Action.” According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. This year’s campaign emphasises the urgency and importance of accelerating efforts to eliminate systemic barriers and biases that impede women’s equality. And with USAID being all but eliminated, it is even more imperative that we step up to make a difference.

In honor of International Women’s Day, we would like to highlight an organization near and dear to our hearts that is making a difference for women around the world. Giving Joy is a Massachusetts-based women-led non profit with a mission to strengthen and inspire women’s entrepreneurship worldwide through one-time micro grants and mentorship programs.

Since 2018, Giving Joy has awarded 88 micro grants in 26 countries to women-owned businesses, non profits, advocacy groups, and innovators to mitigate the gender equality gap.

Giving Joy’s grants have been awarded to women entrepreneurs across the globe

One in three countries has made no progress in gender equality since 2015 and in 18 countries, women’s rights have deteriorated.

Giving Joy believes that all women should have the opportunity to sustain themselves. Their $500 micro grants serve as a boost or stepping stone - giving women entrepreneurs critical resources to start businesses, acquire skills, sustain operations and improve ideas.

Some of Giving Joy’s grant recipients… see more here

Giving Joy reviewed over 8,000 applications in 2024 from more than 70 countries. Several trends and recurring themes stood out in the types of businesses and programs women proposed to create change in their communities:

🩸 Menstrual hygiene and access to period products

🥖 Bakeries and food-based enterprises

✂️ Tailoring and fashion-related businesses

🐔 Poultry farming for sustainable livelihoods

🍎 Nutrition education and healthy living campaigns

🧠 Mental health awareness and support programs

In 2025, they have set a tangible and wide-reaching goal: Award 18 microgrants to hit the big 1-0-0 grant milestone since their founding in 2018!

International Women’s Day calls on individuals, organisations, and communities around the world to act swiftly and decisively to address gender inequality, both in personal and professional spheres. It is a call to increase momentum and break down obstacles that prevent women from reaching their full potential.

We hope you will consider supporting this terrific organization as part of honoring International Women’s Day and help spark change!

Become part of Giving Joy’s Power Network!