MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT – Lilian Grinberg

On this International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate the strength, courage and resilience that each of you brings to the world. Today, we pay tribute to women of all ages, backgrounds and trajectories, whose contributions have been fundamental in all aspects of society.

In a world that still faces challenges of gender inequality, it is crucial that we continue to work together to build a future where every woman and girl can reach their full potential. We must continue to fight for equal opportunities, for respect for our rights and for a more inclusive and fairer world for all.

Today, I reaffirm my commitment to work tirelessly to create a world where all women are free to pursue their dreams without obstacles or barriers.

Let’s continue to inspire each other, support each other and raise our voices, because together we are unstoppable.

At ICJW, we are committed to continuing to work to create a world where all women are treated with dignity and respect, where their fundamental human rights are respected, and where we have equal opportunities in all areas of life.

As women that support women, we cannot keep quiet.

RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!

AM ISRAEL CHAI!

MESSAGE FROM CHAIR OF THE ICJW STATUS OF WOMEN COMMITTEE – Robyn Lenn OAM

Mazal tov to you on International Women’s Day!
Mazal tov to each woman who is a member of our worldwide Jewish women’s organisation!

Mazal tov to INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN on maintaining a membership of thousands of Jewish women over a century of challenges, conflicts and wars.

International Women’s Day began in 1909 as National Women’s Day in US which maintains ICJW’s largest and most politically active affiliate organisation.

The central force which binds ICJW together is not a generalist organisation of women – it is an earlier-formed longer-lasting organisation of women of the Jewish faith. For more than a century since ICJW’s formation in 1912 Jewish women have contributed to their community in the country in which they live. Much of their work has been directed to support their general communities while a number of ICJW affiliates help to finance and maintain projects in Israel.

As we wait anxiously for the release of fellow Jewish women and men hostages and mourn the loss of hundreds of Jews slaughtered on October 7 – we commemorate and remember the huge role Jewish women have played since time immemorial.

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE UNION OF JEWISH WOMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA – Bev Goldman

International Women’s Day began in 1909 as National Women’s Day in US, and has since spread across the globe.  Today it is recognised and acknowledged by members of the 34 affiliates of the ICJW; and its effect is widespread. 

This year more than ever, it holds enormous significance for us all as we mourn and grieve the horrors of the Hamas attack on Israeli women on 7 October 2023.  

Since its inception in 1932, the Union of Jewish Women South Africa has been a beacon of light for thousands of women of all races and religious beliefs in the country; we have worked tirelessly to promote the rights and status of women; we have consistently supported abused and violated women, standing firmly against rape, gender-based violence, domestic violence, femicide and honour killings, and any other forms of discrimination against women because of their gender.

We have supported, encouraged and empowered women in communities across the nation; and we hold our heads up proudly as we reflect on the invaluable positive changes we have realised for more than 90 years of service.

Today, as we have done since 7 October and will continue to do every day, we wait anxiously for the release of the hostages held in indescribable situations of  incarceration in Gaza, the children, the women and the men.  Our thoughts and concern are with them, their families, and the families of those so brutally slaughtered. We join the Jewish world in praying for their safety and their liberation.