Women will save democracy but they can’t do it alone

Time and again, women have mobilised to defend democratic values and fundamental rights. It’s clear why: when women do well, countries have stronger democracies with fairer elections, accountable institutions, and active civil society.

A powerful example comes from Poland. In 2020, a ruling by its reformed constitutional court led to a near-total abortion ban, putting women’s health and lives at risk. In response, over 400,000 women and allies across 400 cities took to the streets to defend the human right to decide about one’s own body and future and to call for greater judicial independence and the rule of law. It was the largest wave of pro-democracy demonstrations in the country since 1989.

The positive ripple effects were undeniable. Not only did women’s rights become a key issue in the country, the mobilisation also led to a 12% increase in voter turnout, more women elected to parliament and a new government committed to overturning the ban. It’s clear that when women come together, extraordinary things can happen.

As we mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, it’s important to acknowledge that while Europe has made progress toward gender equality in recent decades, women’s rights are being eroded. The landscape has changed, with well-funded opposition groups working to roll back rights. Between 2009 and 2018, anti-gender groups in Europe spent an estimated $707.2 million to restrict access to contraception, IVF, abortion and marriage equality, as well as to undermine efforts to combat gender-based violence.

Women and marginalised communities will turn this tide, but they cannot do it alone while in ‘survival mode’. As funding cuts, freezes and restrictions mount, many grassroots gender equality organisations are hanging on by a thin thread.

This is where philanthropy can rise to the challenge. At the Alliance for Gender Equality in Europe (the Alliance) – the first pooled fund to support gender equality and women’s rights in Europe – we aim to meet the urgency of the moment with new approaches to advance equality and revitalise democracy.

Working together

Now, more than ever, philanthropy must work together, particularly in an increasingly polarised world. Many foundations recognise they cannot solve systemic challenges alone, but they don’t know where to start. The road ahead demands bold donor coalitions – including broad, creative and atypical ones – that embrace a simple truth: democracy cannot thrive without gender equality, just as equality cannot exist without economic inclusion and so on.

As a donor collaborative, we have seen firsthand that working together works. Finding common ground, building trust and strategising collectively is part of our DNA. In just three years, our member foundations report that our model has strengthened their grantmaking practices, deepened their understanding of the gender equality and expanded their reach and impact.

Funding where it is needed most

Only a small fraction of foundation grants is allocated to gender equality. For instance, in the UK, just 1.8% of all grants go to women’s and girls’ organisations, and half amount to £10,000 or less.

Our own analysis of applicant organisations reveals stark funding imbalances. Most organisations operate on modest budgets – typically around €130,000 with few paid staff – while a quarter manage on just €37,000 or less, relying heavily on volunteers. Only a few have the financial stability to weather crises.

In light of recent challenges, non-profits need rapid, flexible support to adapt to changing circumstances. At the Alliance, we will provide funding to enable organisations to take advantage of emerging opportunities or respond to new threats. And if your foundation cannot move money quickly, tap into trusted intermediaries like us who have the systems in place to do so.

Supporting grassroots movements

Meaningful change often begins at the grassroots level because those closest to the challenges understand them best. Yet, despite their proven impact, they remain underfunded, especially if led by women. Evidence shows that strong feminist movements are the key to ending violence against women, improving reproductive health and advocating for equal pay and economic opportunities.

To fill this gap, we are piloting new funding dedicated to strengthening grassroots movements. These grants will address a critical need: a lack opportunities to come together, build understanding, energise around their collective work and deepen their intersectional ways of working.

Taking the long view

Lasting change takes time. It’s hard to make the world a better place. We know grassroots movements are smart, capable and strategic, but they need sustained investments to build trust, expand their base and seize the right opportunities. The women’s strike in Poland, for instance, was built on years of organising experience from the 2016 Black Protests that followed the government’s first attempt to limit reproductive rights.

Meanwhile, opposing groups invest for the long haul, committing 40-50 years of funding with few if any restrictions. This is a lesson for philanthropy: transformative change happens when we take the long view. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

The challenges are real, but so is the opportunity. By working together across issues, sectors and borders, we can act as catalysts for positive change. Let’s get to work.