Will you be part of something bigger with a gift in your Will?
Women have been taking action and fighting for their rights for decades while also claiming space in their workplaces, their communities and creating lasting change for generations to come.
One vital way you can support women-led action is through a gift in your Will. Gifts in Wills future-proof the work of women's rights organisations and partners for many years to come, ensuring they can continue to lead change and advocate for a fairer future for everyone.
Our free gifts in Wills guide shows how your gift will help future generations and answers any questions you may have about leaving a gift in your Will.
Download our Gifts in Wills Guide
Request a printed guide by post
Read the stories from powerful change-makers who are claiming space, taking action and creating a better, safer future for us all below.
Collective action building the agency of young women living in poverty
The Young Urban Women (YUW) programme places a commitment to building the active agency of young women living in poverty. This includes addressing young women’s access to decent work and sexual and reproductive services through empowerment, campaigning and solidarity.
From challenging gendered stereotypes to demanding better funding for health services and access to education, Lerato is calling for investment in healthcare, and equality in the classroom. Her advocacy is shaping a future where women lead, speak, and thrive — economically, socially, and politically.
Lerato (pictured middle row, centre), a young mother and member of the Young Urban Women (YUW) Blantyre club, is a passionate advocate for women’s rights in her region. She says, “The most important thing I've learned is for a woman to be independent, not to rely on someone else."
Members of Young Urban Women (YUW) Blantyre in Malawi
Thoko Chikondi/AA
Seaweed harvesters in Tanzania are taking action against climate change
Marta Lombardelli
Climate activism in Tanzania
Tanzania is severely impacted by the effects of climate change. Over 75% of the population rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The impact of climate change is felt critically by those most vulnerable, where people living in poverty are often the worst affected.
In Kilwa Masoko, women seaweed harvesters are seeing this impact in shifts with their harvests. They are now seeking to assert their voices, to demonstrate the impact of climate change on their livelihoods and highlight how communities that are least responsible for climate change are impacted the most.
Women-led groups, like the women seaweed harvesters, are working with ActionAid to adapt to the effects of climate change and come together to take more radical action on climate change, asserting their political voices and calling for change.
Tackling gender-based violence in South Africa
Women and girls across the world experience violence and discrimination in every society, simply because of their gender. We are , working with women’s rights activists, organisations and communities to prevent and end violence against women and girls around the world.
Mathlogonolo is a South African women’s rights activist and a survivor of violence, who is working to end violence in her community. Mathlogonolo has set up a community centre with partners and ActionAid to provide support and shelter to women who have experienced violence. For many women, it can be difficult to report violence and advocate for justice. Through the community centre, Mathlogonolo helps women to stand up against the violence in their community.
She is driven to create a better future for her daughter and the other women and girls in her community, ensuring girls can grow up in a safe environment.
She says, “I got a chance to gather women to stand up for themselves after such an event, so that it becomes easier for others to report. That is quite difficult and painful to do, but I am happy that I can help people from my own experiences”.
Women’s rights activists and organisations are the strongest advocates against all forms of violence, standing up and helping other women.
Mathlogonolo Mochaware, a South African women's rights activist
Lihlumelo Toyana/AA
Contact us
If you have any questions about our work, leaving a legacy or making your Will, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
Email: Legacies@actionaid.org
Telephone: 01460 238000
Write to us: The Legacy Team, ActionAid, Chard Business Park, Jarman Way, Chard, TA20 1FB
Page updated 12 August 2026
