Throughout history, women have made remarkable and noteworthy contributions in fields ranging from science, math, and medicine to the arts, education, and politics. Women’s History Month, observed each March, is a time to celebrate these achievements while also acknowledging historical inequities and the resilience women have shown in overcoming systemic barriers.
Honoring Women’s History Month isn’t just about recognizing the past—it’s about inspiring the next generation of girls and young women to dream big, break barriers, and shape the future. It’s also an opportunity to channel volunteer efforts into initiatives that support and uplift women and girls.
Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:
Mentorship can have a life-changing impact, especially for young women and girls as they navigate their education and career paths. Volunteer mentors serve as role models, offering guidance and encouragement to help build confidence and set meaningful goals. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Up, and Step Up offer mentorship programs in various fields, from STEM careers to leadership development. Whether it’s supporting a young woman in pursuing a career in science and technology or helping her navigate tough decisions, your guidance can make a lasting difference. Your community may also have mentorship opportunities. Check with local women’s clubs, schools, and community programs to see if they need volunteers. A little support can go a long way in empowering the next generation of women.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by domestic violence. Women’s shelters provide critical support to survivors of domestic violence, homelessness, and other crises. Many shelters rely on volunteers for tasks such as organizing donations, assisting with job readiness training, or offering general support.
Organizations like the YWCA and local shelters in your community often need volunteers to help provide these essential services. There are also opportunities to support advocacy efforts at the national and state levels. Consider signing up to take action with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to help drive meaningful change.
Education is a powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and empowering women and girls. Volunteers can make a difference by tutoring, teaching life skills, or supporting organizations that provide scholarships and educational opportunities. The Malala Fund focuses on educating girls in regions where access to education is limited, while Girls Rising works to ensure millions of girls worldwide receive an education. Room to Read, another global nonprofit, is dedicated to eradicating illiteracy and promoting gender equality through education. By volunteering with these organizations, you can help create a brighter future for girls around the world.
Encouraging more women and girls to enter STEM fields is key to closing gender gaps in these industries. Volunteers can support educational programs, provide tutoring, or host workshops to spark interest in STEM careers. Organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offer outreach programs to inspire young women to pursue engineering.
For more general career support, organizations like Dress for Success provide women with professional attire, career coaching, and job readiness training to help them succeed in the workplace.
Advocating for systemic change and championing women leaders are powerful ways to support gender equality. Volunteering with organizations that promote women’s leadership can help amplify their impact and drive meaningful change. United WE advances all women’s economic and civic leadership to make meaningful change. She Should Run is a national organization that encourages women to pursue leadership roles in government, while the National Women’s Law Center fights for policies that advance gender equity.
When you volunteer to uplift women and girls, the impact goes beyond the individual. Empowered women strengthen families, uplift communities, and inspire future generations. Looking for more volunteer opportunities? Visit www.createthegood.org to find ways to make a difference.