Newsletter, 26 June 2020
Dear Friends,
I trust this finds you well and maintaining your energy and wellbeing as the need for physical distancing remains while we emerge from lockdown.
The global pandemic continues to highlight the critical nature of gender analysis and gender lens funding in all aspects of life and below we share with you some recent articles and research outlining the social and economic consequences for women.
The renewed focus on racial inequality in the U.S invites us all to look closely at the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and migrant and refugee women, and consider how we can best support them at a time when existing vulnerabilities are heightened by the pandemic.
Below we share registration details for an important webinar next week when we will team up with the Australian Communities Foundation, The Asia Foundation and U.S based Tides to explore the power of a gender lens for funders, entrepreneurs and investors, policymakers and NFP’s.
We are also excited to share below the ground-breaking research released last week which clearly demonstrates the benefits of more women on Boards and in senior leadership positions. The report is a great example of the power of data, particularly gender-disaggregated data, to inform effective strategy. With the evidence in for the business world, it follows that more women on the Boards of our top philanthropic foundations has the potential to further enhance their effectiveness and impact.
We continue to advocate for a strategic focus on women and girls in philanthropy and social investment by sharing projects that support women and girls across all cause areas. This week marks ten years since the swearing-in of our first female Prime Minister, and our Project Spotlight showcases a significant documentary project, Strong Female Lead, which reflects on the nation’s response to women in power.
In recent weeks I’ve been heartened to have a number of funders who have reached out seeking guidance on how best to invest in women and girls at this time of COVID-19. It’s widely recognised that we are entering a pink recession with women’s safety, economic security, and mental health under increasing threat. A gender lens will be critical in funding recovery initiatives.
Should you still have funds to distribute before the end of the financial year we would be very happy to share with you specific COVID-19 crisis response projects, as well as those addressing long term structural inequality in Australia and internationally.
Finally, congratulations on the successful bid for the Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 – great news for women in sport!
Stay well, safe and strong…and let’s all keep washing our hands!
With warmest regards,
Julie
Julie Reilly
CEO
Australian Women Donors Network
