Call for signatories
JCCV CEO Judy Fetter said, "This event covered all these objectives as we brought together so many talented women … to network, share experiences and plan for a stronger future."
When the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia Victoria (NCJWA Vic) launched its #MakeSpaceForHer campaign in 2019, it called on community organisations and businesses to sign a Gender Equality Pledge to initiate leadership role opportunities for Jewish women.
Last week, NCJWA (Vic) and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) hosted a breakfast to continue the conversation to support women in senior positions.
Women from Orthodox, Conservative and Reform synagogues, schools and education providers, arts and cultural organisations and more attended the event.
The JCCV was one of the first signatories of the Gender Equality Pledge, believing it would strengthen and benefit the community.
JCCV CEO Judy Fetter said, “This event covered all these objectives as we brought together so many talented women … to network, share experiences and plan for a stronger future.”
NCJWA (Vic) president Helen Lewin added, “It was most inspiring to see approximately 20 Jewish organisations, who have all signed the #makespaceforher pledge, come to our event.”
The women drew on their own experiences to improve gender balance.
One suggestion was tapping women on the shoulder to encourage them to take on leadership roles.
Another well-received idea was working on busting the assumption that men should be on the board and women should be in the office.
They encouraged using the NCJWA (Vic)’s Jewish Women’s Directory to identify highly skilled women.
NCJWA (Vic) board member Lisa Ezekiel said, “The breakfast, the directory, and the recent Accountability Report reflect the group’s commitment to its Gender Equality Pledge.
“We have a new and exciting initiative launching later this year, so watch this space.”
JCCV will host a discussion at its August Plenum to promote gender equality in community leadership further.
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