Fawcett Society CEO to depart

Fawcett Society CEO to depart

Jemima Olchawski has announced that she will be leaving her post as chief executive of The Fawcett Society.  She will leave Fawcett in six months, and the search for her successor is under way. 

Jemima rejoined the organisation in 2021 and her time as CEO has been marked by successes such as:

• the first ever complaint of sexism upheld by Independent Press Standards Organisation;
• helping put menopause on the political agenda which resulted in new guidance for employers;
• and a new law on sexual harassment through the Workers Protection Act.  

 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.” 

  Baroness Harriet Harman, chair of the Fawcett Society, thanked Jemima for her service to the organisation: 

 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.”