Amy Taylor-Kabbaz headlines 2026 Mina Fink Lecture

The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Victoria) (NCJWA (Vic)) is presenting the 2026 Mina Fink Lecture featuring internationally recognised matrescence expert Amy Taylor-Kabbaz in conversation with Tanya Cawthorne, program manager of the NCJWA (Vic)’s Caring Mums program on June 9 at 7.30pm.

Amy Taylor-Kabbaz has spent more than a decade helping to transform global conversations about motherhood, identity and women’s wellbeing. A former journalist and award-winning producer with the ABC, Taylor-Kabbaz brings together research, storytelling and lived experience to explore the profound physical, emotional, psychological and social changes women experience through motherhood.

While matrescence is often associated with pregnancy and the early postpartum period, this year’s Mina Fink Lecture will explore a much broader and deeper understanding of the concept – that matrescence is a whole-of-life transition that continues to evolve throughout the many stages of motherhood and family life.

The conversation will examine how women may experience different aspects of matrescence as their children grow and change –from early motherhood and school years, through adolescence, adulthood, changing family relationships, caregiving responsibilities and beyond.

Taylor-Kabbaz is the author of the global best-selling book Mama Rising (Hay House), founder of the world’s only ICF-recognised matrescence-based coaching certification, host of The Happy Mama Movement podcast, and creator of one of Australia’s most loved children’s podcast, Bedtime Explorers.

In 2023, she established the Global Matrescence Foundation, dedicated to changing the way mothers are supported and valued in society. She is also co-executive producer of the upcoming documentary Matrescence: The Hidden World of M/Otherhood, due for release in 2026.

“For generations, women have been expected to simply ‘cope’ with the enormous transition into motherhood, often without language, recognition or meaningful support,” Cawthorne said.

“What Amy’s work so powerfully highlights is that matrescence does not end after the newborn period. Motherhood continues to shape and reshape women across the lifespan, often in ways that are invisible to those around them.

“When mothers are unsupported, the impacts ripple across families and communities. But when mothers are genuinely supported, everyone benefits – children, partners, workplaces and society more broadly.”

Cawthorne said this understanding is at the heart of the Caring Mums program, which provides vulnerable and isolated mothers with one-to-one support from trained volunteers who offer practical and emotional support during the transition to motherhood.

“One of the most powerful forms of support we can offer a new mother is connection with another experienced mother who can simply walk alongside her without judgement,” Cawthorne said. “Programs like Caring Mums recognise that motherhood was never meant to happen in isolation. Community care and intergenerational support matter deeply.”

The annual Mina Fink Lecture honours the legacy of Mina Fink, a passionate advocate for women, education and community wellbeing.

NCJWA (Vic) encourages women at all stages of motherhood and matrescence to attend – whether they are new mothers, mothers of older children, grandmothers, or women reflecting on motherhood across the lifespan. Partners, fathers, daughters, sons and extended family members are also warmly invited.

“This conversation is for anyone who has mothered, been mothered, loves a mother, or wants to better understand the invisible transitions women move through across their lives,” Cawthorne said.

Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/understanding-matrescence