International Women’s Day, March 8th
“Our future survival is predicated upon our ability to relate within equality.”
“I cannot afford the luxury of fighting one form of oppression only. I cannot afford to believe that freedom from intolerance is the right of only one particular group.”
—Audre Lorde
At Food Recovery Network (FRN), we are more than just a team; we are a vibrant community dedicated to ending the cycle of wasting precious food and ending hunger. We strive to create a positive impact through data-driven solutions. As we approach International Women’s Day, it is a poignant moment to reflect on our commitment to recognizing and expressing deep gratitude for our female and gender diverse leadership within our organization and the broader nonprofit sector.
Inclusivity in Language and Representation
Language matters, and at FRN, we emphasize the importance of using inclusive language that honors individual identities. We understand that our words hold power and aim to ensure that everyone feels seen and valued. By fostering an environment that evolves with our global community, we can engage in meaningful dialogues and actions that affirm our diverse backgrounds.
Acknowledging Our Team’s Strength
As a collective deeply rooted in our mission, we proudly celebrate the fact that 73% of our student network around the U.S. identifies as female. This statistic is not just a number; it reflects the strength and resilience of women leading the movement against food waste and hunger, and fighting for a food system that supports us all. Our team consists of passionate individuals who understand and advocate for the rights and needs of marginalized communities, making us well-equipped to address systemic issues.
The Role of Women in the Nonprofit Sector
The nonprofit sector is predominantly composed of women, with statistics from Candid revealing that 69% of nonprofit staff and 62% of nonprofit leaders identify as women. Yet, despite this strong presence, barriers to leadership in the for-profit sector persist. Just 9% of CEO’s at Fortune 1000 companies are women. At FRN, we acknowledge these disparities and work diligently to continue to provide leadership experiences for our thousands of student leaders around the U.S. Our student leaders come to FRN with a desire to help and be involved; volunteering within a chapter offers many skills training opportunities and we believe our students are better equipped to enter whichever sector they choose and continue to see themselves as leaders because of their experiences with FRN.
Global Impact Through Local Efforts
Our impact transcends domestic borders, with our alumni actively making a difference in communities worldwide—from the Amazon rainforest to urban centers. We understand that the work we do locally can create ripples that benefit global society. When we uplift women and gender expansive leaders, we support them in growing their abilities—their power to drive change in their communities, providing tools and support for others to thrive.
Building a Supportive Culture
At FRN, we are committed to nurturing a culture that affirms women’s capabilities and innovation, along with the contributions of gender nonconforming leaders. Our workplace is designed to be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone. We believe that diverse perspectives fuel our creativity and problem-solving, ultimately enhancing our mission to recover food and nourish communities.
Encouraging Continued Conversations
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we invite our community to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences regarding gender leadership. What does inclusive leadership look like to you? How can we collectively work to strengthen and support each other in our missions? Your input is invaluable to us, and together we can create a more equitable future.
At Food Recovery Network, we recognize that true change begins with acknowledgment and action. As we continue our work to fight food waste and hunger, we proudly stand with the leaders within our organization and community. Let’s continue to celebrate our successes, challenge disparities, and work together for a better tomorrow.
Happy International Women’s Day!
For your bookshelf to widen your aperture of knowledge:
“My Life, My Love, My Legacy,” Coretta Scott King, Barbara Reynolds
“Correcting Gender Myopia: Gender Equity, Women’s Welfare, And the Environment,” Danielle Nierenberg
You can find links to these books on FRN’s Storygraph Shelf
