We all know that women lag sadly behind their counterpart in many fields; this issue is more serious than just a parity of numbers but rather the continual suppression of capable and determined women. The world needs more institutions, schools and employers to encourage half of humankind's population. Nonetheless, many organizations do support the personal and professional advancement of women. Not only are these hard working groups supporting the breaking of barriers women face everyday, but they support those unheard individuals who have been impacted by issues such as war, discrimination, and assault.

1. Women for Women International

Women for Women (WFW) supports women that are marginalized in countries affected by conflict and war. Since its creation in 1993, WFW has served almost 430,000 women by teaching them business, vocational, and life skills. Founded by Iraqi-American humanitarian Zainab Salbi, the nonprofit organization has distributed more than $118 million in aid and loans to women.

2. National Organization for Women

National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest feminist organization in the United States with hundreds of thousands of members and more than 500 local and campus partners. NOW tackles multiple issues to advance women's rights. It has succeeded in putting more women in political positions, supporting stricter laws against discrimination or harassment, and increasing educational, employment, and business opportunities for women.

3. Girls Who Code

Girls Who Code (GWC) is a national nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap by empowering teenage girls with computer science education and skill sets. Seventy-four percent of middle school girls express interest in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math so GWC helps to inspire and provide girls with free after school programs in a fun and friendly environment.

4. Girls Write Now

Girls Write Now is a nonprofit organization serving at-risk girls from New York City public high schools. Its mentorship program encourages girls to develop creativity and explore professional and writing careers in addition to developing decision-making skills. It teaches that writing passionately is many things: an act of power, an act of courage, and an act of generosity.

5. RAINN

RAINN, the largest anti-sexual violence program in the U.S., works with local rape crisis centers across the country. The program operates the Department of Defense's self-help hotline in an effort to support those who have been affected and prevent sexual violence.