March is Women’s History Month. There will be various events, programs, and educational opportunities designed to highlight women’s important role in society. One locally-based non-profit organization has forged its path through advocating for gender equity and improving access for everyone who wants to take an active role in society.
Located in Downtown Providence, Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) supports women and girls statewide. WFRI achieves these objectives by using research on women and girls as a fact based platform to advocate for legislative change, teaching others leadership and advocacy skills, and by investing in programs that create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
Women’s Fund of Rhode Island Chief Executive Officer Kelly Nevins said that while strides are being made to level the playing field, more work must be done to achieve a broader reach.
“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing a lot of backlash in today’s political climate. It is facing such scrutiny where people are now confused and searching for answers. DEI is not about identity politics or “woke” ideology- it’s about creating a community where people can be their best selves and participate fully in the world around them. These programs are good for everyone and not for just a few groups,” Nevins said. She joined WFRI in 2016.
One way WFRI shapes leaders is their Women’s Policy Institute. Each year, a cohort of women learn strategies and tips to advocate for changes they would like to see in the world around them. They learn how to identify the root of important community issues, write legislation, influence decision makers, and meet with other leaders to understand their positions and what drives them forward. To date, more than 100 women have graduated from this program.
Nevins said that graduates of the program report the experience has been life altering, with many choosing to run for office because of the training.
“When they work on policy change, they go through the entire process—from writing the bill, finding sponsors, and advocating on behalf of the idea to our elected officials,” she said. “Some of the laws that have been enacted include paid family leave, increasing the minimum wage, and ensuring legal and affordable access to reproductive care. Health and well-being are paramount to everyone’s success.”
Known for regularly reporting on the Status of Women and its Women’s Well-Being Index, Women’s Fund of Rhode Island will be publishing its first report on the status of girls. Rhode Island is only the second state in the country (Indiana being the first one) to provide insights about the challenges that girls face related to mental and physical health, education, and development opportunities.
Their Rhode Island Girls Report: Achieving Gender Equity Through Systemic Change has some sobering statistics regarding girls—particularly teenage girls—and their thoughts/actions.
- 40 percent of middle school girls have reported being depressed.
- 20 percent have considered suicide.
- 11 percent have attempted suicide.
- High school girls reported high instances of sexual assault and bullying.
Another nugget provided by this report is the dearth of mental health care supports in the schools. According to Nevins, there are not enough advocates available for students who may need assistance. WFRI is currently supporting legislation to lower the ratio of mental health workers in schools from 1:600 to 1:250.
“Girls are the lifeblood of our communities,” Nevins said. “They will graduate college, get married, start families, and work here. We need to provide the tools for them to not only survive, but to also thrive.”
Women’s Fund of Rhode Island has numerous events happening throughout Women’s History Month and beyond. A few notable events taking place include:
Women’s History Month Celebration with Senator Jack Reed. March 3, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Cranston Public Library. The event features a panel discussing regarding various issues impacting women and girls throughout Rhode Island.
Salute & Savor: Women Shaping History. March 6 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bellini Rooftop.
Diva Empowerment Concert. March 9 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Providence Public Library.
The concert will be an inspiring afternoon celebrating the power and resilience of women through song! WFRI’s Diva Empowerment Concert will feature a vibrant lineup of local talent performing iconic songs of empowerment, unity, and strength.
Details and ticket information can be found at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eventswfri/event/divaempowermentconcert/
401Gives. This is a 24-hour endeavor starting on April 1 that devotes hundreds of non-profit organizations throughout Rhode Island to raise money and awareness. Nevins said the endeavor raised $15,000 for Women’s Fund of Rhode Island in 2024.
The Fund seeks volunteers to help with its phone bank and celebration in support of 401Gives. For details, please contact Development Director Debra Honor at dhonor@wfri.org.
More details regarding these and other events, as well as applying for the Women’s Policy Institute, may be found by visiting their website at:
About Women’s Fund of Rhode Island:
In 2001, the Rhode Island Foundation, together with founder Simone Joyaux, established a fund specifically for women and girls in Rhode Island. In 2005, the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) became an independent charitable organization and has been working to create a more equitable state ever since. WFRI is a member of the Women’s Funding Network, the largest philanthropic alliance in the world dedicated to advancing the essential role of feminist funders in the unwavering fight for gender equality and justice.
