Through my work, alongside the team at Jewish House, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and hope of women and girls. Our commitment is to support every woman, particularly those facing challenges from domestic strife, financial hardship, or homelessness, with care and practical assistance that uplifts her life.

Women leading the way in support and change

At the heart of our work is the team that truly reflects our mission; our staff is 80 per cent female. The strong representation is something we are proud of, but it’s also a reflection of the compassionate and determined spirit that guides our organisation. Jewish House doesn’t stand alone though. A snapshot of the sector reveals:

• The workforce in domestic/family violence support is overwhelmingly female, which reflects both the nature of the work and the values of organisations involved.
• Women, particularly those over 55 years, are increasingly vulnerable to homelessness due to one or a combination of several factors: financial insecurity, the cumulative effects of the gender pay gap, and experiences of family violence.
• A critical need for coordinated policy responses that address both the economic and safety needs of women.

These findings give clarity to the challenges – and opportunities for enhancing the support and empowerment of women in these community sectors. They also remind us that women bring unique empathy and determination to critical sectors of the workforce, that when working together can make a difference. As a mother and engaged leader with background in the legal and financial sectors, I believe that wholeheartedly. My career has been built on fundraising, engagement, and project management. I have consistently set and exceeded financial targets and completed leadership courses and philanthropy workshops, and I have seen firsthand the difference that informed, committed leadership can make. Each step in my journey has taught me that real change comes from a blend of practical skills and heartfelt dedication. While empowering women as a whole needs to come from the top, and permeate our workforces cultures, I’m also proud to be involved in supporting and committed to assisting vulnerable communities and women on the frontline with Jewish House. Our new facility, with its 52 rooms, is a tangible example of this commitment. It stands as a safe haven for women and children escaping difficult domestic circumstances. But our work goes beyond immediate response; our ethos is that every woman deserves the chance to rebuild her life in an environment that respects her dignity and nurtures her potential. Our objective is to create the space where healing can begin and hope can flourish.

How businesses can take meaningful action

For Australian businesses, there is a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact this International Women’s Day and beyond. Businesses can extend their support by offering not just financial contributions but also by sharing expertise, connecting networks, and using their platforms to raise awareness about the challenges many women face. By partnering with organisations like Jewish House, businesses invest in a future where community strength and security are the foundations for success. The approach isn’t merely about charity, it’s about creating conditions in which every community member – women especially – can thrive, while in turn bolstering the local economy and social wellbeing. Businesses should consider funding targeted programs that help women gain skills and confidence or sponsor initiatives that directly support families in crisis. They might also arrange volunteer days for their teams or offer pro bono services that bring specialised expertise to our efforts. Supporting the work of empowering vulnerable individuals helps build safer communities and a more inclusive, and hopeful society. That support, combined with a genuine willingness to advocate for better policies at the very top level, can have far-reaching effects for those who need it most. I believe women demonstrate qualities both professionally and personally, that are essential when helping those who have been through some of life’s toughest challenges. Supporting and empowering women can alleviate the rising numbers of women seeking assistance through homelessness services, and allow businesses to tap into the wealth of understanding, problem-solving skills, and other experience that women have to offer.

Inspiring the next generation

Empowering the next generation is an essential part of my mission for a stronger future. We believe setting a strong example inspires young women to consider careers in community support and social services, or wherever they want to go. Beyond providing immediate help, we need to be creating role models who encourage others to step forward and contribute to a more compassionate society. International Women’s Day reminds us to reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead. There is so much space for businesses and community leaders across Australia to strengthen the cause, by sharing resources, expertise, and passion. Investing in the well-being of all women and girls, regardless of their background, helps to build communities where every individual has the opportunity to succeed. Let’s move forward together, creating a future where every woman and girl enjoys the rights, equality, and empowerment she deserves. Everyday.

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