Banding together: 6 Female-focused organizations that aim to empower
Both in Canada and internationally female empowerment, human empowerment for that matter, continues to take shape and organizations help to harness the passion, skill and power of the collective. And if you could use some of that goodness (raise a hand!) don't let the legwork stop you.
There are plenty of options out there to get involved, both in connective digital and non-digital spaces, but getting inspired to do so can be a challenge, we get it. Joining a professional club can be much like joining a gym, hobby or any other leisure community; the selection process is exciting, but comes overloaded with information and questions. Memberships require a commitment and finding the people, cause or vision that strides well with your own interests and prerogative is a rewarding feat but can seem like a long shot.
In the effort of helping you sift through your options, we've zeroed in on six women's organizations that might be what you're looking for. Here, we're breaking them down for you — now you just have to make time for them.
WCM is the largest group for professional women in the financial sector. The Toronto-based advocacy group provides mentorship and a network for women to equip themselves while navigating the ever-challenging industry. WCM launched in 1995 and boasts a membership over 1,500, welcoming both fresh and long-vetted professionals working in capital markets. A slew of corporations invest in the organization, and events include golf tournaments, fundraisers and galas, all of which contribute to the overall community and advancement of its members. You can volunteer too. Professional development is at the core of the organization and workshops are in place to manage and merge women into the financial services industry, giving them a safe and practical way to handle its stresses and demands. While the group is based in Toronto, there are Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal chapters too.
Women Who Code is a great global, non-profit organization that gives women the necessary training to be more involved in the world of technology. Women from all different age and socioeconomic backgrounds can operate within technology at an accelerated rate, and since 2011 WWC has connected over 100,000 women globally and awarded over $1,000,000 in educational scholarships and tickets. WWC stretches across the world so the support and potential is boundless. They also update the job board section often. If you want to sign-up simply head here.
G(irls)20 is all about increasing the female labour force around the world. By offering a multitude of resources for girls, they can then become the next leaders in the world. Teenagers and young adults can get involved in one of four programs including 'Bootcamp For Brains' for 15 to 17 year old girls and 'Girls On Boards' for females 18 and over. There's a program that helps fathers empower their daughters. With over 45,000 Facebook supporters and over 42 thousand Twitter followers, the organization taps into a range of digital and experiential programs that will help female leaders gain the confidence and education they deserve, placing them at the "centre of the G20 process. "
The organization connects females that all share an undeniable love for travel. Sometimes you're traveling to a new place and you need advice on lodging, sometimes you need support navigating certain terrain—sometimes you just want to strike up conversations about your travel bucket list, and all this can be done here. There are often call-outs for people to join crusades, experiences and travel movements, too, so if you're wanting to get more involved and find "your people," that love traveling and all it brings, this may be an organization worth checking out. There's even mental health support for those that face barriers. When it comes to traveling, everyone should get the chance to step outside their comfort zone and taste cultural life at home and abroad, and Girls Love Travel fosters just that.
Entrepreneurs and business professionals in the eWomen Network can expect to be supported, provided with marketing opportunities and learn how to grow their business (and clientele) in the process. While some organizations may seem inaccessible due to regionality, eWomen's Network has over 118 chapters across North America, connecting over 500,000 entrepreneurs, and counting. The mission? "Help one million women entrepreneurs achieve one million dollars in annual revenue." Everything from scholarship grants to podcast help to coaching opportunities all fall under the eWomen umbrella. It's great to connect with like minded business people, but even better when a main objective is to get more customers and capitalize the cash flow, too. There's 2,000 events waiting to be tapped into. Join here.
Women's Executive Network (WXN)
Founded in 1967 by Pamela Jeffery, WXN offers a comprehensive platform for women (and men) to find networking, mentoring and both professional and personal support. With a collective that boasts over 22,000 members, the organization not only provides a place for both genders to learn, educate and lead, together, but it honours some of the most prominent people making a difference in "management, executive, professional and board roles." Each year the organization pays homage to the "Top 100," too, which highlights the most powerful women in Canada. Here's a place to hone and grow while feeling support in an all-encompassing way, helping unify and strengthen women in the workforce. Individual membership costs $150 a year and there are a ton of cross-country events occurring year-round.