Women have always been philanthropists. Whether its volunteering on the PTA, making cupcakes for a bake sale, dropping off meals for someone in need, collecting funds for the a charity or attending a fundraiser, giving of time, talent or treasure is just something many of us do in our communities without much thought. In terms of financial philanthropy (treasure) there has been a significant rise in the involvement of women in recent years, marking a powerful shift in the landscape of charitable giving.
Women donors are increasingly making their mark in various philanthropic endeavors, bringing about positive change in communities around the world. In this blog post, we highlight some of the trends and the reasons why more women are becoming more actively engaged in philanthropy, and the impact this is having.
Equality in Giving
Historically, philanthropy has been largely dominated by men. However, the past decade has witnessed a significant increase in women's engagement and influence in the world of charitable giving. Women have become more empowered, financially independent, and actively involved in decision-making processes. This newfound equality has opened doors for women to play a prominent role in philanthropy.
Empathy and Compassion
Women tend to approach philanthropy with a unique perspective characterized by empathy and compassion. They often prioritize issues related to education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, women's empowerment, and social justice. By addressing these key areas, women donors are driving positive change and fostering inclusive societies. Their focus on holistic solutions is creating a lasting impact on communities.
Collaborative Networks
Another trend in women's philanthropy is the formation of collaborative networks. Women are increasingly joining forces to leverage their resources, networks, and expertise to maximize their philanthropic impact. The Impact100 model is a great example of collaborative network. These networks provide a platform for sharing ideas, pooling resources, and supporting initiatives that resonate with their shared values. By collaborating, women donors can amplify their collective efforts and tackle complex social challenges more effectively.
Impactful Giving
Women donors are not just contributing financially; they are actively engaged in the philanthropic process. They are not satisfied with simply writing checks but are also investing their time, skills, and knowledge to drive change. Many women establish foundations, create scholarships, mentor aspiring individuals, and advocate for policy reforms. Their hands-on involvement ensures that their philanthropic efforts are impactful and sustainable. If you look around the Whakatipu, many of our charitable organisations have been founded, and are run by women, e.g. Pivotal Point, Wakatipu Community Foundation, Living Options, and Queenstown Lakes Baby Box.
Supporting Women and Girls
Women donors are also leading the charge in supporting initiatives that directly benefit women and girls. They recognize the importance of investing in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and leadership development to empower women and create a more equitable society. By focusing on these areas, women donors are working towards breaking barriers, promoting gender equality, and enabling women to reach their full potential.
Inspiring Future Generations
The rising trend of women donors in philanthropy is not only making a difference today but also inspiring future generations of women to follow suit. Women philanthropists serve as role models, inspiring young girls to believe in their potential to effect change. By seeing women in leadership positions and witnessing the impact of their philanthropic endeavors, young girls are encouraged to dream big and contribute to making the world a better place.
The increasing participation of women in philanthropy is reshaping the charitable giving landscape, bringing fresh perspectives, and driving meaningful change. Through their empathy, collaboration, and targeted efforts, women donors are addressing pressing social issues and creating a more equitable world. As more women step forward and make their mark in philanthropy, we can expect to see even greater strides towards a brighter future for all.
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