Newsletter, 31 March 2020
Dear Friends,
Advocating for greater investment in women and girls, and educating to ensure that their needs and circumstances are central to philanthropic practice, has never been more important.
We know that without specific and intentional action, challenges for the most vulnerable in society will be compounded by disasters. A gender lens is crucial to understanding and addressing the increased vulnerabilities for women such as employment insecurity, increased domestic violence, the additional burden of domestic and caring responsibilities and, for many now, the management of home-schooling.
While governments are providing unprecedented support, the multiple challenges we are facing following the recent bushfire disaster and current COVID-19 crisis will require all of us to make sure every philanthropic dollar is strategically directed for maximum impact. To help achieve this we are currently developing new resources and updating existing fact sheets to support effective, gender-wise philanthropy and corporate giving.
While events calendars everywhere are necessarily sparse, we are taking an active role in meetings of civil society leaders on various digital platforms. We are working hard to ensure that those providing funding, as well as those responsible for delivering initiatives in the community, are mindful of the impact the current situation has on women and that their needs are addressed.
As well as encouraging a gender-wise approach we commend the guidance Philanthropy Australia has recently provided to its members in responding to COVID-19.
We send our best wishes to each of you and your families for the upcoming Easter break, and a Happy Passover to our friends in the Jewish community. For those interested in guidance for conducting a virtual Seder, please email Tracie Olcha asap to join a special webinar at 11am Wednesday, April 1st.
Julie Reilly
CEO
Australian Women Donors Network
