Leave a gift in your will

For over two decades Womankind Worldwide has been helping courageous individuals escape violence and transform their lives. We help women come together to claim their rights and effect change in their communities. Together we are changing the world.

We have a vision of a world where all women are equal, secure, respected and proud. You can help us achieve this for the women and girls of tomorrow by leaving a gift in your Will to Womankind Worldwide.

Inspiring gifts

Over the years, many women and men have left a legacy to Womankind Worldwide. Some are modest. Some are substantial. Each one has been put to work to help improve women’s lives in practical ways.

Patricia Frost from London left a gift to Womankind in her Will. Her friend Helen, says,
“Pat admired the work Womankind does and I know that she would be happy to think that she can still help women who lack most of the freedoms we take for granted.”

You can find more information about arranging to support Womankind in this way on our website or by contacting Ellen at ellen@womankind.org.uk or on 020 75490360 for an information pack.

Every gift in every Will makes a difference

Stop The Bus, South Africa

In 2010, thanks to three generous gifts in Wills of £5,000 each, our partner organisation Rape Crisis was able to run the Stop the Bus! Campaign to educate communities in South Africa about sexual violence. A team of staff, counsellors and volunteers embarked on the bus through some of the poorest and most isolated towns with high levels of sexual violence and HIV.

At each stop the team ran workshops, debates and awareness raising activities to challenge attitudes that provoke violence against women. The campaign also provided counseling and legal advice to survivors of rape.

Working to end Female Genital Mutilation, Ethiopia

In 2010 we made a £15,000 grant from a gift left to Womankind to Siiqqee Women’s Development Association, to support women and girls in the East Wollega Zone experiencing violence through harmful traditional practices, such as Female Genital Mutilation and forced marriage by child abduction.

Their project increases their confidence and self esteem through community self help groups and discussions; provides information and skills training; empowers them economically through micro-finance provision; and works with community organisations such as schools and police.

“Being in a self help group is like being in a women’s university. I did not go to school but through my group I learn so many things. I was circumcised but my daughters will not go through the same experience”. Mershaye, a member of a self-help group

Reaching more women and girls, Nepal

In 2009, thanks to a very generous gift in a Will, we started working in a number of new countries, including Nepal. New projects there are supporting Dalit women who face vast discrimination and inequality, and widows living in destitute situations and subject to exploitation.

“I wish we could create a world where discrimination on the basis of marital status will be eliminated. I wish the widows are given the equal and equitable treatment as all women and I strongly request all of you to defy the silence and stand out for their justice.” Lily Thapa,Women for Human Rights, Nepal.

Readiness for the future

We cannot foresee where Womankind might be needed most in the future. Supporting women who experience violence during conflict; reacting to the spread of HIV/AIDS; and working to make women’s rights a reality when a government passes new legislation are all possible when we have the freedom to respond to unforeseen needs and seize new opportunities.

Much of our funding is limited to specific projects, but gifts in Wills, both big and small, allow Womankind to make independent choices that prioritise equality and security for women and girls. By leaving a gift in your will to Womankind Worldwide you can make a world where all women are equal, secure, respected and proud more possible.

Next steps

If you are interested in supporting Womankind in this way:

• Read our frequently asked questions about leaving a legacy
• Contact Ellen at ellen@womankind.org.uk or on 020 75490360 for more information