Local Nonprofit Continues Pursuit of Gender Justice

Jenevieve Monroe
News Reporter

As the world celebrates Women’s History Month, one nonprofit is continuing diligent efforts to progress gender equity in the Bay Area. Located on San Francisco’s Market Street is the Global Fund for Women, a feminist led, public foundation whose mission statement seeks to “fund bold, ambitious, and expansive gender justice movements to create meaningful change.”  

Their story began in 1987 when four Palo Alto women sought justice for a community they felt lacked public interest in human rights advocacy. Founders Anne Firth Murray, Frances Kissling, Laura Lederer, and Nita Barrow envisioned a grassroots organization that would ultimately drive a meaningful legacy of change for Bay Area communities. Nearly thirty years later, the Global Fund for Women is stronger than ever and has accumulated a track record for aiding female presidents, supporting communities against civil war, and continuing the legal security of human rights. Current President and CEO Latanya Mapp-Frett is continuing these ambitions with her legacy.  

 The nonprofit’s philanthropic efforts denounce a traditional “top-down” approach which often results in exploitation. According to their website, their grant funding is set up to be “un-restricted, flexible money to cover the real costs of social work.”  By giving recipients funding on their own terms, the Global Fund for Women purposely fights for the initiatives behind each community. 

Another essential component of their advocacy is through their approach: the Global Fund for Women’s feminism is founded in intersectionality. The global fund for women says that, “The struggle for women’s rights is deeply impacted by and connected to the struggles for racial justice, queer justice, immigration justice, climate justice, and so many more.”  

If you’re interested in contributing to their mission, check out their latest campaigns and articles on topics like “Girls Lead in Tech” and “2022: Black History Month Everywhere”. 

Photo source: Global Fund For Women Website; “About Our Team”
Source: Women’s Rights Are Human Rights | Our Mission (globalfundforwomen.org)