10 Ways You Can Support Gender Equality Right Now

Aiyesha Swarnn - 20th August 2021

Every woman deserves the right to freedom of speech, freedom of life and the freedom to make her own choices, and the social progress made for women’s rights has excelled in recent decades. The 2021 International Women’s Day campaign #ChooseToChallenge, claimed a challenged world is an alert world and we are all responsible for the actions that we do.

Even in the 21st Century, we can still find gender inequality that targets women immensely. One notable example is that women are still being underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, representing only slightly more than 35% of the world’s STEM graduates. Around 1/3 of women worldwide have experienced some sort of physical, sexual, or mental abuse from intimate partners in the last 12 months.

Whilst businesses, governing bodies, and world leaders have the most influence and responsibility in this regard, our collective individual actions add up, and can have serious impact on legislation and social change.

Here are 10 different ways in which you can help support women not only in your country but around the world, because together we can make a difference.

1. Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to network and help people whilst also improving their well-being. Volunteering is such a great way to contribute to projects that contribute to women rights and much more. If you are a student, see if you can join your university’s Enactus society, which actively promotes gender equality and empowerment to all women as per the United Nations sustainable development goals.

2. Attend protests. Have a say in what you want since public demonstrations offer a great opportunity for demanding action for women’s rights. By attending protests, you can discuss them on your social media which will impact women internationally. An example of a recent protest actually occurred online due to the pandemic and that was the Online #March4Women event hosted by Stylist.

3. Mentor a child. You can do this through your school, or with a platform like “Big Brothers, Big Sisters”. This platform allows you to reach and influence girls and help them reach their potential. It helps nurture and strengthen children by developing positive relationships, that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

4. Speak up. We all have voices, yet only 25 per cent of all national parliamentarians are women. You don’t have to be in a position of power to enforce positive change, you can start by speaking up in local community events or even at school or universities. At your accommodation, call out your housemate’s microaggressions or sexist comments and ask them to consider the implications of what they are saying.

5. Know your rights. Research women rights in the workplace and general life. To start implementing change, we need to know what rights women have. To find out more, check out Amnesty International for the history of women rights.

6. Donate to a cause. Every woman and girl deserve the opportunity to live free from violence and to do grow up equal. Giving to them can start their positive and successful future. The Fawcett society is a leading charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights.

7. Hold each other accountable. Take a stance in ending gendered violence and helping the survivors know their rights. As always, listen to survivors and make sure they have the support they need.

8. Educate the next generation. Children are the future of today’s world, so teaching them will help stop the same inequalities from happening in decades to come. Start with your own younger family members, or perhaps plan a talk in your local school or youth group.

9. Join social media conversations. Help women express their identity and their inspirations through #TimeIsNow and #IWD2018. Social media is a great tool to help amplify women’s voices. Like, comment on, and share the posts and tweets of women who speak out to help their message have a wider reach.

10. Tell a woman in your life that you care for them. Positive change starts at home. Write a letter or a card that expresses gratitude to the women in your life. Small words of encouragement go a long way. A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected of them.

Our Role Models project gives a platform to female speakers and speakers of minority backgrounds, and regularly gives talks in schools, with the aim to promote inclusivity and to inspire young minds. With this in mind, women’s rights are essential everywhere and if you are looking to be a part of that change, check out Enactus Aston for volunteering opportunities, and sign up to our newsletter for the latest information on our projects and activities.

Together we can encourage one another, connect, and promote the plight of all women.