As we close another year, I’m proud to reflect on what has been 100 Women’s most successful year to date. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones, achieved remarkable growth, and made a profound impact through the power of collective giving.
A Decade of Impact
2023 marked our 10th Anniversary, a testament to the dedication, generosity, and vision of our community. Over the previous decade, 100 Women has grown into a thriving movement empowering women and girls through transformative projects around the world.
Membership Growth and Record-Breaking Grants
In 2023, we saw a 6% increase in membership, bringing our community to over 350 members. With this growth, we were able to award a record $243,000 in grants funding to support five remarkable projects:
- Orana House (Perth, WA): $50,000 to connect 50 women and 140 children fleeing domestic violence with secure private rentals through socially-conscious landlords.
- The Hunger Project Australia (Bihar, India): $50,000 to educate and support 1,400 at-risk adolescent girls, reducing forced child marriages and driving long-term change.
- The Radiance Network South West (Southwest WA): $49,828 for early 1:1 support for 80 mothers and children facing perinatal mental health challenges.
- The Water Well Project (National): $49,592 to deliver 50 health literacy sessions to 700 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, addressing gender-related health barriers.
- Cana Communities (Perth, WA): $43,050 to enhance the mental and physical health of 20 homeless and marginalised women through nursing services and art therapy.
Each of these projects reflects our commitment to making a tangible difference in safety, health, and education, both locally and globally.
Innovating for the Future
This year, we invested in critical operational upgrades, including moving our grants application process online and implementing a new member voting platform. These changes have streamlined our processes, enhancing accessibility and engagement within our community.
We’re incredibly grateful for the financial support from Ostelin/Jaye Radisich Foundation and the Wylie Group, which has enabled us to strengthen our administration and focus on growth. Our 2023/2024 financial report is available here.
Recognizing Transitions and Contributions
In 2023, we bid farewell to Board Members Jane Cormack, Deb Russell, and Ariel Bastian, while acknowledging the upcoming departures of Gail Milne and Alex Willcocks. Their leadership has been invaluable, and we thank them for their dedication.
We also welcomed Wilson Casado as a new Ambassador and male ally, demonstrating our commitment to inclusive leadership.
Hidden Heroes and Community Connections
One of the highlights of the year was the launch of the Hidden Heroes Exhibition at our 2023 Gala, attended by 340 guests. This engaging project celebrates the incredible stories of our past grant recipients, inspiring action and showcasing the impact of our collective efforts.
Looking Ahead
None of these achievements would have been possible without the passion and hard work of our Board, volunteers, and members. As we look to the future, 100 Women is well-positioned for growth, ready to continue driving positive change and empowering women and girls globally.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are proving that collective giving is a powerful force for good.
With gratitude,
Virginia Miltrup
Chair, 100 Women
