Saying No To Gender Backlash – How The First Large-Scale Women’s Day March In Finland Was Funded

Short summary:

This presentation showcases how over €16,000 was fundraised in less than 1.5 months for the first large-scale International Women’s Day march in Finland in 2025.

Full description:

In 2025, three feminist NGOs in Finland organised the first large-scale Women’s Day March in Helsinki, bringing 10,000 people to the streets despite no prior examples or existing funding. The Finnish Women’s Association Unioni led the small donor fundraising campaign, collecting over €16,000 from individual donors in under 1.5 months. The presentation highlights key factors for this success, including collaboration among NGOs, effective messaging, storytelling, social media strategy, and follower engagement.

Main takeaway/Key learning point:

  • Collaboration with NGOs, utilizing existing networks through social media and email, combined with storytelling and clear donor Calls to Action (CTAs), can be highly effective.

Supporting media:

Presentation:

Communication and storytelling Fundraising Mobilisation
Location: Date: 18/09/2025 Time: 14:10 - Aiski Ryökäs
The Finnish Women's Association Unioni (FI)