Organization: The Women and Girls Foundation
Mission: The Women and Girls Foundation (WGF) is a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania engaged in statewide programming and policy work. The mission of WGF is to achieve equality for women and girls, now and for generations to come. In pursuit of this mission, WGF breaks down barriers so that every girl can rise and every woman can soar. Our vision is for women and girls in PA to have equal access, oppurtunity, and influence in all aspects of their public and private lives. WGF's core programs include: GirlGov; Femisphere; and Paid Leave for Pennsylvania.
Activities: Femisphere: At the Women and Girls Foundation we are committed to achieving equality for all women and girls without discrimination on the basis of nationality, economic status, class, ethnicity, race, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. In pursuit of this goal, we actively engage in public advocacy efforts to achieve social and systematic change. Our new strategic plan calls for a two-pronged approach to our advocacy efforts. First, we will co-lead a campaign to raise public awareness and interest in a state level paid family leave program for PA. We will also support efforts led by others related to the following issues: 1. Equal pay for equal work 2. Anti-discrimination work policies 3. Economic justice (increased minimum wage, paid sick leave and affordable child care) 4. Increased access to and protection of reproductive rights 5. Racial justice 6. LGBTQIA/Trans justice 7. Increased women in leadership (including women on boards and women in politics) 8. Efforts to decrease sexual assault and domestic violence 9. STEM education and career opportunities for women and girls.
GirlGov: This is WGF's civic engagement program that trains high school girls to be the next generation of leaders. It consists of two programs, the GirlGov Summer Leadership Academy and the renowned year round GirlGov program. At GirlGov, girls learn first hand about civics, government, philanthropy, youth organizing, community involvement, women's history and leadership. They shadow elected officials, and develop and lead their own advocacy campaigns. The program is open to all girls entering ninth to twelfth grade who live in Southwest Pennsylvania.
NTEE category: Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy
Secondary category: Youth Development