Sisterhood in the Charity Sector | International Women’s Day

In the charity sector, women make up the majority of the workforce—leading, fundraising, advocating, and delivering life-changing services. But beyond the roles they hold, it’s the way women mentor, support, and uplift each other that truly strengthens the sector.

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the power of mentorship, empowerment, and workplace support for women in charities.

The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship is at the heart of professional growth. When experienced leaders take the time to guide and champion others, they don’t just open doors—they give women the confidence and skills to walk through them.

“Having the support of a charity CEO as I think about my next step has been incredible. As a Director of Fundraising, I’ve learned so much from their experience—how to lead with confidence, think strategically, and step outside my comfort zone. Their guidance has helped me see the bigger picture of running an organisation, and their encouragement has made me believe that becoming a CEO is within my reach.”
— CEO

Having a mentor who has navigated the challenges of leadership in the charity sector can make all the difference. It’s not just about career progression—it’s about having someone who believes in your potential and helps you realise it.

Empowering Women to Succeed

Empowerment isn’t just about confidence—it’s about ensuring women have the opportunities, recognition, and support needed to thrive. It means valuing their contributions in fundraising, strategy, and service delivery, and creating spaces where their voices are heard.

“Having the mentorship of a Senior Trusts Fundraiser within a higher education institution has been invaluable to my growth as a fundraiser. As a woman navigating the charity sector, having the support of a senior female leader who understands the challenges and opportunities in our field has been truly empowering. Her guidance in engaging research funders not only expanded my understanding of strategic funding but also highlighted development opportunities I hadn’t previously considered.”
— Head of Trusts and Foundations

When women support women, they build each other up, creating a culture where skills and knowledge are shared, and where success is something to be celebrated, not competed for.

Supporting Mums in the Charity Sector

For many women, success in their careers goes hand in hand with the challenges of balancing work and family. The charity sector has a responsibility to champion flexibility, job shares, and career progression that doesn’t come at the expense of motherhood.

“My mentor and Director was such an inspiring woman to work for that I followed her from one end of the country to the other. She gave me constant encouragement and always brought me with her, involving me in important meetings, trusting me with key donors, and ultimately giving me the confidence to be really successful as a fundraiser. She had a very open, transparent working style that encouraged true collaboration and inspired positive communication.”
— Senior Fundraiser, Education Sector

By supporting working mums through flexible policies, leadership opportunities, and an inclusive workplace, we ensure the charity sector retains brilliant, skilled women who shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and their families.

Looking Forward

This International Women’s Day, let’s commit to:
Mentoring more – Take the time to support and champion other women.
Advocating for change – Push for fair pay, leadership opportunities, and flexible working.
Celebrating each other – Recognise and amplify the achievements of women in the sector.

Because when women support women, the entire charity sector thrives.