Public About Us – Giving Women

The Power to Empower

Founded in 2009 and registered in Geneva, Giving Women is a women’s membership association and a growing community of Action Philanthropists dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls worldwide.

Our mission is to build a community of informed women philanthropists and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of girls and women in need all over the world.

Our hope is for a world where every woman and girl has a access, choices and agency.

In all we do, Giving Women amplifies women’s voices, deepens understanding of their experiences, and drives meaningful, lasting change.

Why a community of women philanthropists?

Research from the Institute of Women’s Philanthropy at Indiana University shows that women not only give more, but give with empathy, intention, and connection. They seek meaningful involvement, prefer to learn and act together, and want their generosity to translate into real change. This is the heart of our community – women turning compassion into action.

Why do we focus on women & girls?

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty, climate change, conflict, and displacement – yet they often have the least access to the resources and opportunities that could change their futures. When social norms limit their autonomy and economic independence, entire communities feel the impact.

We focus on women and girls because when they are empowered to thrive, families grow stronger, communities become more resilient, and lasting change becomes possible.

Why do we work with grassroots organisations?

Across the development world, there is growing recognition that real, lasting change must be locally driven. From the beginning, Giving Women has believed that policy and legislation matter – but true progress for women and girls is born within communities themselves.

By engaging directly with grassroots leaders and organisations, we help shift social norms, strengthen local solutions, and support environments where women and girls can make choices, shape their futures, and build secure, independent lives.

Our approach to driving change

Women‑focused projects

Giving Women walks alongside women–focussed grassroots organisations, helping them grow stronger and more sustainable. Rather than providing funding, we offer what we believe is even more powerful – our time, expertise, and mentorship. Stronger organisations means greater, lasting impact.

Raising awareness

Giving Women also plays a leading role in raising awareness of the challenges women and girls face, as well as the evolving shifts within development and philanthropy. Through public forums, panels, and conferences, we shine a light on critical issues affecting women and girls across the globe.

Professionalise philanthropy

Our workshops are dedicated to building skills and confidence. From Theory of Change to Governance and Fundraising, each session is designed so that you can support grassroots organisations more effectively, while also offering a space to grow, share expertise, and learn from one another.