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As Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, people tried to escape the country, passing through Lviv, while others got ready to fight the Russian army. (Photo by Vincenzo Circosta/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In normal times, celebrating and supporting women shouldn’t be restricted to one day a year (read: International Women’s Day). But as we close out another week of heartbreak in our feeds, it’s evident we’re not living through normal times, and the call for help is louder than ever. From local shelters to global female-directed charities, here are verified channels that you can donate to to help women in both flood-affected areas in Australia, and in war zones abroad – and a little bit about each of them from our editors.
“I first came across the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees through global ambassador Angelina Jolie. Her social media pages are a wealth of accurate and reliable knowledge which I have come to trust as a legitimate place to donate in time of trouble – and at the moment it feels often. The UNHCR is accepting donations for Ukraine refugees which are largely women and children. According to the website, just $26 can provide a warm sleeping bag! In addition, the agency reveals at what percentage of donations go towards administration (just six percent) so you can be rest assured that your money is not filling the pocket of a CEO.” – Rebekah Clark, features writer
“For women and children affected by the floods in Hawkesbury region in Greater Sydney, you can donate direct to the Women’s Cottage. The local organisation has been open since 1983 and serves as crisis support and a resource centre. They also specialise in supporting women experiencing domestic violence, isolation, financial distress, parenting distress and other forms of emotional distress or trauma. So when the floods have subsided and the mud is clear, you donations can help more women in need. There are many ways to help aside from monetary donations and you can find those on their “Donate” section of the website.” Rebekah Clark, features writer
“This was a resource I found on social media via the ‘Mud Army’, a group of volunteers that are cleaning up the coastline of NSW and across the border in Queensland. Aboriginal families in Lismore need our help! ‘Even before this flood most people were unable to afford the flood premiums on insurance, the donation page reads. ‘When anyone is in a time of crisis in our community, we support each other. But when everyone you know is in the same boat, we need to ask for help.’ These families have so many women and children that need assistant. Their goal is for $150,000 and they’re getting close! Your donation will go straight to local Aboriginal families in Lismore.” – Rebekah Clark, features writer
“Two experienced aid workers from the UK set up this Crowdfund to provide urgent support to female human rights defenders and activists in the Ukraine. So far, they have helped 17 women with evacuations, food and urgent medical supplies. One of the aid workers, Amy Greenbank, has over 13 years’ direct experience working on women’s human rights, addressing violence against women and girls, and on women’s security. (Note: this is charged in GBP.)” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
“My friend shared this urgent GoFundMe page for a not-for-profit women’s shelter in Lismore who provide housing to women, children and young people experiencing domestic violence. The building has been decimated by the floods, leaving at least one woman to reportedly move back in with her abusive partner. Can you even imagine her fear? Donations will help the shelter to get up and running again after losing everything.” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
“There are already so many organisations gaining traction, so if you’re keen to support a lesser known organisation that is so deserving, here is an organisation called Women Up North, a not-for-profit that provides housing support and counselling to women, children and young people experiencing domestic or family violence across the Northern Rivers from Grafton to Tweed; are in dire need of assistance. They don’t have social media, and aren’t in a position to vocalise their desperate need for help to rebuild after their offices, consult spaces and housing placement locations were destroyed.” — Laura Cordaiy, senior integration manager
“I’m assuming most have heard about strangers purchasing nights at AirBnb’s in the Ukraine – not to stay but as a means of donating to hosts. More than 61,000 nights have been booked in the country since Russia’s invasion and while charities are amazing, this is instant money in someone’s pocket. I’ve chosen a night at the lovely Oleksandra’s apartment in the centre of Kyiv. I picked her because her bio says, ‘Born and raised in Kyiv, I am an avid advocate and ambassador for my country. I love Kyiv passionately, I know it intimately, and I would love to help you to get to know it and have fun!’. It just made me so sad!” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
“World Central Kitchen is serving thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families (primarily women and children) fleeing their homes, as well as those who remain in the country. They are reputable, they move fast and Leonardo DiCaprio follows them. (Be sure to change your donation to AUD!)” – Jessica Bailey, editorial director
“Baby Gives Back is an organisation a friend of mine shared on Instagram that delivers emergency relief essentials like nappies, formula and wipes to babies and their families. While not only directed at women, my heart goes out to all the mother’s right now trying to reckon with what’s happened, and care for their little ones at the same time.” — Emily Algar, contributing editor
“UN Women Australia is a charity devoted to caring for and assisting women, and they have recently set up donations for those affected in the Ukraine. Whether displaced from their loved ones or providing humanitarian support, it’s a reputable location to help women who desperately need it.” — Emily Algar, contributing editor
“Statistics show that domestic violence rates rise in the wake of natural disasters, so supporting local women’s shelters in flood affected areas is one way to show care. Lismore Women’s Health and Resource Centre is a centralised organisation that assists women affected by rape, domestic violence and other health-related issues. They also accept monetary donations that are tax deductible.” — Emily Algar, contributing editor
