Girl power! March 8th is International Women’s Day and to support those helping empower and uplift women check out what these brands are doing to give back.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
Sexism, ageism, income inequality and sexual harassment are just some of the issues women regularly face and intolerances for such injustices are at an all-time high. Women are making positive changes, demanding gender equality and accomplishing great achievements socially, culturally and politically. While International Women’s Day is about celebrating women’s victories, it’s also about being a voice for those who can’t be heard.
According to UN Women, “Globally, women only make 77 cents for every dollar men earn. This is a major cause of lifetime income inequality. At current rates, it will take 70 years to close this gap.”
But that’s not the only issue women face. UN Women also reports, “In the European Union, 55 per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment at least once since the age of 15. Of these, 32 per cent experienced it in a place of work.”
More work needs to be done to ensure fair and equal treatment of women so for International Women’s Day here’s a look at inspiring women and brands giving back and how you can support them.
RAEL
Women-owned organic feminine care brand Rael is celebrating International Women’s Day by providing period products to underprivileged women in their own community – LA-area women living in poverty and homelessness. Although often requested, period products are rarely provided by shelters.
Through their new partnership with Happy Period, Rael will donate one period product to a homeless woman in need for every menstrual product purchased at GetRael.com through the month of March. This includes all of their best-selling 100% certified organic pads, liners, tampons, feminine wash and wipes.
“Millions of women in the U.S. struggle to access proper period care, many of which are homeless,” says Rael co-founder Yanghee Paik. “We believe every woman should be able to access safe and effective period products, and we’re on a mission to help make this happen any way we can.”
Throughout the year, Rael and Happy Period will also execute a series of period kit hand-out activations, with volunteers handing out supplies to women living on Skid Row in downtown LA. The first one is scheduled for March 30.
Made In Covfefe
The Made In Covfefe political T-shirt collection was started by your average American family who wanted to help make a difference. A portion of proceeds from these tongue-in-cheek shirts with sayings like, “Fake News, Fake President” and “Grab him by the Putin” go to support marginalized groups Trump and the current administration ostracize (like the disabled, LGBT+, immigrants, Dreamers, assault victims and others).
In honor of International Women’s Day, the organization of choice for Q1 of 2019 is Planned Parenthood. Each shirt in the Made In Covfefe collection is $22 each (including shipping throughout the US), produced in the US, and comes in both Men’s and Women’s sizes in Black, Navy, Gray and Blue Wave. You can purchase a shirt at www.MadeInCovfefe.com
Tal Man of TALIA
Tal Man’s company originated in Israel and now she is back and forth between Israel and NYC running her customizable jewelry brand! The jewelry designer + goldsmith, entrepreneur and mother of two said, TALIA, “was born out of a need to cater to the wishes of today’s confident, successful woman, a woman who wants her jewelry to be both unique and versatile, precious yet affordable, classic yet contemporary, easy to wear and, perhaps most importantly, easy to vary.”
Tal just partnered with Girls Inc. to give a portion of proceeds from ever Talia purchase to the charity as part of TALIA’s commitment to the empowerment of other women. Also, on behalf of the International Women’s Day, TALIA is giving away $1000 shopping experience to a lucky winner and a friend.
Talk Cancer to Me: My Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Booty!
From a cough dismissed as allergies, to coping with Stage 4b Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Jessica DeCristofaro truly exemplifies strength. A survivor, turned author, motivational speaker, inspirational blogger, and social media influencer. Jessica shares her heartwarming story as motivation for millennial’s battling with how to care for their new lives, their families, and themselves.
In Talk Cancer to Me, DeCristofaro confesses the initial terror at her unexplained symptoms, the mounting stress as none out of myriad different specialists could help her. Finally, after landing in urgent care, she is officially diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, an aggressive type of cancer.
But she’s determined to beat it. Always one to look on the bright side, DeCristofaro seeks out laughter as she faces a terrible situation. While buoyantly recounting parties in the ICU and flirting with cute doctors, she also openly details some of the physical and emotional challenges cancer patients experience. DeCristofaro provides definitions doctors may gloss over and practical tips for fellow patients as they step through their own treatment process. The majority of the proceeds of this book will go to cancer research. Talk Cancer to Me can be purchased on Amazon.