Introduction
International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for gender equality. Since its inception in the early 20th century, this day has highlighted the economic, political, cultural, and social contributions of women while advocating for a world free of discrimination and inequality. In 2025, the theme of International Women’s Day emphasizes inclusivity and empowerment, urging communities to support women and girls in their journey toward equality. One organization embodying this mission is Project Glimmer, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women and girls from underserved communities in the United States. This article explores the synergy between International Women’s Day and Project Glimmer, delving into the organization’s impact, its alignment with the values of Women’s Day, and how individuals can contribute to its mission.
The History and Significance of International Women’s Day
The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to 1908, when 15,000 women in New York City went on strike to protest low wages and poor working conditions. The following year, the Socialist Party of America declared February 28, 1909, as National Women’s Day to honor this movement. In 1910, at an International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of an annual International Women’s Day, which was first celebrated on March 19, 1911, across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975, cementing its global significance.
Today, International Women’s Day serves as a platform to celebrate women’s achievements and address ongoing challenges such as the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership, and systemic discrimination. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity globally. This stark reality underscores the urgency of initiatives that empower women and girls, making organizations like Project Glimmer vital to the cause.
Project Glimmer: A Beacon of Empowerment
Founded in 2010 by Sonja Hoel Perkins, Project Glimmer is a San Francisco-based nonprofit that inspires young women and girls to believe in themselves and their potential. The organization focuses on serving young women aged 11–22 from underserved communities, particularly those in foster care, low-income households, or facing systemic barriers. Project Glimmer’s mission is to provide these young women with the resources, confidence, and opportunities they need to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
Project Glimmer operates on three core pillars: Inspire, Equip, and Connect. Through these pillars, the organization delivers programs that boost self-esteem, provide essential resources, and foster mentorship and community. Its initiatives include:
- Glimmer Gifts: Providing personalized gift boxes filled with items like beauty products, books, and accessories to boost confidence and show young women they are valued.
- Career and Confidence Workshops: Offering virtual and in-person sessions on resume building, interview skills, financial literacy, and self-advocacy to prepare young women for professional success.
- Mentorship and Networking: Connecting young women with female professionals who serve as role models and provide guidance on career and personal development.
Since its founding, Project Glimmer has impacted over 800,000 young women across all 50 states, distributing more than 1.5 million gifts and facilitating thousands of mentorship hours. Its work aligns seamlessly with the goals of International Women’s Day by addressing systemic inequities and empowering the next generation of female leaders.
The Intersection of Project Glimmer and International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration but a call to action to address the structural barriers that women and girls face. Project Glimmer’s programs resonate deeply with this mission, particularly in its focus on young women who are often overlooked by traditional support systems. By targeting underserved communities, Project Glimmer tackles issues such as poverty, lack of access to education, and limited professional opportunities—challenges that disproportionately affect women and girls.
For example, girls in foster care, a key demographic served by Project Glimmer, face unique obstacles. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, only 50% of foster youth graduate high school, and less than 3% earn a college degree. Additionally, young women in foster care are at higher risk of homelessness, unemployment, and exploitation. Project Glimmer’s targeted interventions, such as confidence workshops and mentorship, provide these young women with the tools to break free from cycles of disadvantage.
The 2025 International Women’s Day theme, which emphasizes inclusivity, aligns with Project Glimmer’s commitment to serving diverse communities. The organization prioritizes young women of color, those identifying as LGBTQ+, and others who face intersectional barriers. By fostering an inclusive environment, Project Glimmer ensures that every young woman feels seen, valued, and empowered to pursue her goals.
Stories of Impact: Young Women Transformed by Project Glimmer
The true measure of Project Glimmer’s success lies in the stories of the young women it serves. Take, for instance, Aaliyah, a 17-year-old from Chicago who grew up in foster care. Aaliyah received a Glimmer Gift box containing a journal, makeup, and a motivational book. The simple act of receiving these items made her feel “worthy and cared for,” she said. Encouraged by this gesture, Aaliyah enrolled in one of Project Glimmer’s career workshops, where she learned to create a resume and practice for job interviews. Today, Aaliyah is a freshman at a community college, studying to become a social worker so she can help other foster youth.
Another success story is Maria, a 20-year-old from Los Angeles who participated in Project Glimmer’s mentorship program. Paired with a female tech executive, Maria gained insights into the STEM industry and developed the confidence to apply for internships. “My mentor showed me that women like me can succeed in fields where we’re underrepresented,” Maria shared. She recently landed an internship at a tech startup and credits Project Glimmer for giving her the courage to pursue her ambitions.
These stories highlight the transformative power of Project Glimmer’s work. By providing tangible resources and emotional support, the organization helps young women overcome self-doubt and societal barriers, aligning with the spirit of International Women’s Day.
How Project Glimmer Addresses Systemic Challenges
Project Glimmer’s programs are designed to address the systemic issues that International Women’s Day seeks to combat. For instance, the gender pay gap, which sees women earning approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in the U.S., often begins with disparities in education and career preparation. Project Glimmer’s workshops equip young women with the skills to navigate competitive job markets, negotiate salaries, and advocate for themselves—critical steps toward closing the pay gap.
Similarly, the organization tackles underrepresentation in leadership. Women hold only 10.6% of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies, and women of color are even less represented. By connecting young women with female mentors in diverse industries, Project Glimmer exposes them to role models who defy these statistics, inspiring them to aim for leadership roles.
Project Glimmer also addresses the emotional and psychological barriers that many young women face. Low self-esteem, often exacerbated by societal stereotypes and discrimination, can hinder personal and professional growth. Through its Inspire pillar, Project Glimmer fosters self-confidence, helping young women recognize their worth and potential.
Getting Involved: How to Support Project Glimmer on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and communities to take action toward gender equality. Supporting Project Glimmer is a meaningful way to contribute to this mission. Here are several ways to get involved:
- Donate: Financial contributions help Project Glimmer expand its programs and reach more young women. Donations can fund gift boxes, workshops, or mentorship sessions. Even small donations make a difference—$25 can provide a Glimmer Gift box to a young woman in need.
- Volunteer: Project Glimmer relies on volunteers to assemble gift boxes, facilitate workshops, and serve as mentors. Volunteering on International Women’s Day is a powerful way to honor the occasion while making a direct impact.
- Spread Awareness: Use social media to share Project Glimmer’s mission and stories of impact. On International Women’s Day, post about the organization using hashtags like #IWD2025 and #ProjectGlimmer to amplify its reach.
- Partner as a Business: Companies can collaborate with Project Glimmer through corporate sponsorships or employee volunteer programs. Many businesses align their International Women’s Day campaigns with Project Glimmer to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality.
- Host an Event: Organize a fundraiser or awareness event for Project Glimmer on International Women’s Day. This could be a virtual panel discussion, a gift box assembly party, or a community workshop focused on women’s empowerment.
By taking these actions, individuals and organizations can contribute to Project Glimmer’s mission while celebrating the spirit of International Women’s Day.
The Broader Impact of Empowerment
The work of Project Glimmer extends beyond individual transformation—it has ripple effects on families, communities, and society at large. Empowered young women are more likely to pursue higher education, secure stable employment, and become leaders in their fields. They also inspire others, creating a cycle of empowerment that uplifts entire communities.
Moreover, supporting young women aligns with broader societal benefits. According to the World Bank, increasing women’s participation in the workforce could boost global GDP by $5.8 trillion by 2025. Similarly, educating girls leads to lower rates of poverty, improved health outcomes, and stronger economies. By investing in young women, Project Glimmer contributes to these global goals, making it a critical player in the fight for gender equality.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its successes, Project Glimmer faces challenges in scaling its impact. Limited funding and resources can restrict the number of young women served, and systemic issues like poverty and discrimination require long-term solutions. Additionally, the nonprofit sector often competes for attention and support, making awareness campaigns crucial.
On International Women’s Day 2025, Project Glimmer aims to expand its reach by launching new initiatives, such as virtual mentorship programs for rural communities and partnerships with schools to integrate confidence-building workshops into curricula. These efforts will require sustained support from donors, volunteers, and advocates.
Conclusion
International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress made toward gender equality and the work that remains. Project Glimmer embodies the spirit of this day by empowering young women to overcome barriers and achieve their potential. Through its innovative programs and unwavering commitment, the organization is shaping a future where every young woman can thrive.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, let us honor the achievements of women and girls while taking action to support organizations like Project Glimmer. By donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness, we can contribute to a world where gender equality is not just a vision but a reality. Together, we can ensure that every young woman has the opportunity to shine, today and for generations to come.