On April 22nd, we co-hosted a conversation about the devastating impact of the pandemic on women and bold visions to emerge and even thrive. Click here to watch the video of Leadership Counts. We give gratitude to Yavilah McCoy (Executive Director, Dimensions Education Consulting), Sheila Katz (CEO, National Council of Jewish Women), and Rachel Garbow Monroe (President and CEO, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation) for participating.
Below are 7 highlighted themes with opportunities for action – including a mandate to rest and build resiliency.
“We need to push for the issues of vulnerable women to be at the forefront of policies…It’s really only women’s organizations pushing for this. We’re the ones with the least annual operating budgets”
GIVE & ACT NOW
We can affect change by advocating for investments in women. Learn more through these resources:
“Mental health conditions are disproportionately affecting specific populations…The suicide rate among women is increasing at a faster rate compared to men.”
GIVE & ACT NOW
- In this firsthand account, a San Diego Workforce Partnership leader makes the case for paying attention to the emotional toll the pandemic has taken on many.
- Discover opportunities for wellness through healthcare networks such as Kaiser Permanente.
“Historically targeted people would come together to support each other with what little they had…creating micro-communities, where people came together to help each other with little acts of philanthropy.“
GIVE & ACT NOW
Yavilah shared how a custom of lending support among enslaved peoples led to mutual aid, a system of voluntarily exchanging resources and services for reciprocal benefit.
- Read about mutual aid groups in San Diego and consider supporting them.
- The history of mutual aid networks rests in BIPOC and women-led organizations.
- Mutual aid has Jewish roots too! The San Diego “G’mach” (Jewish Gift Closet) accepts and distributes clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and food. Those in need may also receive emergency financial assistance and referrals to community resources.
“2.2 million mothers lost their jobs compared to 870,000 men…Without women, the entire economic system is going to fall into crisis. It stands on the shoulders of women.”
GIVE & ACT NOW
The profound inequities women experience hurt us all.
- Over the past two years, the percentage of women in leadership positions has not changed. At the same time, the pipeline of those qualified for senior positions is shrinking. Invest in women’s growth at all levels, and especially in efforts to elevate women to positions of leadership.
- Connect with our friends at the SRE Network and learn about their incredible intersectional gender equity work.
“How on Earth do you reopen America without childcare?“
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Learn about family-friendly workplace practices and opportunities for advocacy.
- Get the facts about Workforce + Childcare from San Diego Workforce Partnership.
- San Diego for Every Child, a new coalition of people and organizations working to end child poverty in San Diego County, has studied childcare needs during the pandemic.
- YMCA of San Diego County provides a range of childcare resources, including information about family-friendly employment practices and opportunities to advocate for increased funding in both the City of San Diego and San Diego County budget processes.
“Lead in the circles of influence you have, and pull people along with you while insisting on action and insisting on support, whatever that looks like to you.”
GIVE & ACT NOW
Make focused contributions toward women’s professional growth at organizations you support. Equally important – understand strategies of organizations that train, connect, and elevate women leaders such as:
- Jewish Women International
- Leadership California
- Growing women leaders starts with investing in girls. Read about our event partner women’s giving circles, which are investing in women and girls across San Diego County.
“In a world where a woman’s body is expendable, the most important thing you can fund is opportunities for women to take sabbaticals, rest, do coaching, get self-care, things that often in the context of sexism are devalued and deemed non-essential to our leadership.”
GIVE & ACT NOW
Support small acts of “sacred rest” women-led grassroots nonprofits, whether they are for the leader or the whole team. Possibilities include hosting meals, providing gift certificates, and offering opportunities for them to share their experiences.
How can you help the women around you rest? How can you help each other?
Watch the recent conversation below
