Organizations that promote gender equality

The Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law brings together leading attorneys and activists to discuss new developments in gender discrimination and harassment law. Its hosting of the '2026 Gender Justice Summit' demonstrates its ongoing contribution to legal advancements in gender equality, making it a key academic and advocacy institution.

The Center for Reproductive Rights works with a global network of lawyers and advocates to ensure reproductive rights are protected by law. Its participation in every major abortion case ruled by the U.S. Supreme Court and its current efforts to prevent a national abortion ban underscore its critical role in the ongoing fight for reproductive freedom.

Girls Inc. of Metro Denver inspires young girls to be strong, bright, and bold through education and mentoring programs. With over 90% of its expenses directly funding programs, it equips girls to grow healthy, educated, and independent, fostering risk-taking and strength amid challenges like stereotypes, making it a vital local organization.

The National Women's Law Center serves as a vital legal advocate fighting for gender justice in the United States. Its active work on current legal and policy issues affecting women's rights, including economic justice, education (Title IX), and health and reproductive issues, makes it highly relevant in 2026.

UN Women is the leading global entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, playing a crucial role in setting international standards and coordinating efforts worldwide. Its ongoing work with member states and civil society, and its focus on addressing current challenges like the impact of foreign aid cuts, make it highly relevant in 2026.

The Global Fund for Women is a leading organization providing crucial financial resources and advocacy to women's rights groups worldwide. Its flexible grants support grassroots efforts tackling violence, reproductive rights, environmental justice, and civic participation, demonstrating its responsiveness to current global issues.

The AAUW has been a steadfast advocate for gender equity in higher education and beyond for over 140 years. Its recent release of the 2026 Voter Issue Guide and an updated report on the gender pay gap demonstrate its ongoing relevance and active engagement in current policy discussions.

Equality Now actively campaigns for legislation that protects women's rights, focusing on ending sex-discriminatory laws and advocating for international legal accountability. Its participation in the UN General Assembly 2025 to push for legal equality by 2030 and its defense of The Gambia's FGM ban highlight its critical role in advancing gender equality through legal means.

Women Deliver is a global advocate for women's health and gender equality, known for creating unparalleled global spaces for collective action. Its upcoming WD2026 conference in Narrm (Melbourne) will focus on the leadership and knowledge of feminists and First Nations leaders, making it highly relevant for current discussions on climate justice, gender equality, and decolonization.

She Leads Africa is a women-focused nonprofit empowering young African women to build sustainable businesses and advance their careers. It addresses critical barriers like limited access to capital and mentorship through high-impact programs, making it a key player in fostering economic independence and leadership for women across Africa.

The Malala Fund is dedicated to ensuring all girls have safe access to quality education, building on Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize-winning work. Its continued advocacy for girls' education globally makes it a crucial organization in promoting gender equality through empowering the next generation.

Girls Not Brides is a global partnership dedicated to ending child marriage, a critical issue impacting girls' rights and gender equality worldwide. Its advocacy and collaborative efforts are essential for protecting young girls and ensuring their access to education and a future free from forced unions.

MADRE provides crucial funding, advocacy, and support to women's rights issues globally, working directly with women's grassroots organizations. Its focus on human rights, climate justice, and gender-based violence makes it a powerful force for change in communities worldwide.

ActionAid International challenges social and cultural norms that suppress women and put them at risk for violence or discrimination. Through strategic humanitarian programming and advocacy, it promotes gender equality by providing training and resources to female leaders across five continents, enabling them to drive social change.

The Ms. Foundation for Women advocates for women's rights by ensuring access to education, childcare, equal employment opportunities, and participation in civil society. Its support for over 100 grassroots movements in the US highlights its commitment to raising awareness and promoting gender equality at the community level.

Girls for Gender Equity (GGE) is a women-founded community that takes on a Black feminist lens to uplift Black girls and gender-expansive youth. Its focus on dismantling structural barriers and cultivating 'freedom, safety and joy' through workshops, resources, and advocacy makes it a vital organization for intersectional gender justice.

Together Women Rise provides critical funding to organizations that empower and support women and girls in low-income communities across the Global South. The historic increase in applications for its 2026 Featured Grants and its advocacy efforts to strengthen U.S. support for women and girls highlight its significant role in global women's initiatives.