Jemima Olchawski, our Chief Executive, has announced that she will be stepping down from her role in six months’ time. Details of the process to recruit her successor will be shared shortly. 

Jemima rejoined The Fawcett Society in 2021, and her tenure has been marked by a series of impactful successes. Under her leadership, we achieved the first-ever Independent Press Standards Organisation decision to uphold a complaint of sexism, elevated menopause to a critical issue on the political agenda resulting in new guidance for employers, and secured a new law on sexual harassment via the Workers Protection Act.

Reflecting on her departure, Jemima said:

“I have loved leading Fawcett and feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a special organisation. This is a pivotal moment for the Society, with the potential to drive through significant changes for women with the new Government. We have an exciting new future-facing strategy launching soon, and so it feels like the right moment for the next leader to step in and work on the entirety of that.

There’s so much that I've enjoyed and am proud of from my time at Fawcett. It’s been important to me that as an organisation we continue our history of evidence-based campaigns that create real change for women. I’ve also worked with the brilliant team at Fawcett to make sure that we put women’s voices and experiences front and centre, that we build connection and community among our membership and beyond.

I’m moving on and I am excited about next steps. Of course, I'll still be a Fawcett member and proud supporter”

Our Chair, Baroness Harriet Harman, extended her thanks to Jemima, saying:

“Jemima’s time at Fawcett has been marked by many campaigning successes, but internally too, the organisation is in good health. Jemima has put membership at the heart of the organisation. She has led the process of creating our brilliant new strategy, sound financial management, and an upcoming brand refresh for the organisation to keep growing and securing wins into the future.

All of this amounts to considerable achievement for which everyone at Fawcett is grateful to her. We wish her every continued success in the future.”

We’re excited to build on the strong foundation Jemima has created and drive our mission forward. 

In solidarity,
The Fawcett Society Team

The Fawcett Society stands unwavering in its fight for women’s rights. Through cutting-edge research and campaigns for policy and legislative changes, we strive tirelessly for gender equality. Each Fawcett Society member embodies change—if you want to advance women’s rights, Fawcett is the place for you. Join us in breaking barriers, amplifying women's voices, and challenging gender norms. Together, we'll end misogyny and forge a future where every woman thrives.

Mark Your Calendar for Tuesday 12th November!
Join us online on Zoom from 6 PM - 8 PM for Fawcett’s Annual General Meeting, where we’ll present our Year in Review and announce new trustee appointments, chosen by members. The AGM is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Fawcett and join a community passionate about equality.

Following the AGM, our next Fawcett Talks event will feature Professor Laura Beers, an award-winning author, in conversation with Alesha De-Freitas MBE, Fawcett’s Head of Policy. Together, they’ll examine the outcomes of the US election through a feminist lens, discussing the ripple effects on women’s rights in the UK and exploring the fight against misogyny in public life.

Become a Fawcett Member to Attend
To book your ticket for this exclusive online event, become a Fawcett member today. Make the most of your membership and be part of the conversation shaping the future for women. Both the AGM and the Fawcett Talks event are exclusively for our members, and we’d love to see you there.

As a member, you’ll also receive a discount on tickets for our annual conference on Saturday, 8th February 2025. Join us for “A Feminist Future,” where we’ll explore key themes like Revolutionising Work, Creating Feminist AI, and Demanding Dignity and Safety in Public Services. This year’s incredible lineup includes Jess Phillips MP, Stella Creasy MP, and Danielle Bridge, CEO of Black Minds Matter, with more inspiring voices to be announced in the upcoming weeks. Tickets go on sale soon.