by Tess Mendelson

Imagine what our community could look like if we spent less time talking about Nice Jewish Boys and Nice Jewish Girls and more time talking about what being “nice” meant; our new chapter programs Yes and Know and Choose Respect will spearhead this change.

by Marissa Freeman

Hear Our Voice is a mindset I carry with me everyday, and up until a month ago, I was showing up for my voice and my voice was showing up for me. Then, quarantine. Doors shut, everyone packed up, and the entire world shrunk to the size of my 13” MacBook. What do we do now that our theme, Hear Our Voice, is met with challenging times and physical mask coverage? We need to turn up its volume to maximum levels.

By Brianna Elgart

In addition to the #NationalPeriodDay movement, there is a huge push by Platform and other partner organizations advocating for the Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2019, which was first introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng back in March. The Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2019 will help to make menstrual hygiene products more accessible and affordable, especially in communities that face disproportionate access to reproductive health care services and products.

Women’s physical safety, bodily autonomy, and economic security are at risk – but there are steps we can take to fight back.

Our Change the Culture Student Ambassador Program empowers students to be activists, bringing conversations about healthy relationships to their campuses. One way they do this is through Healthy Relationship Shabbats - where students are brought together over dinner for activities and discussion on the qualities of a healthy relationship in a Jewish context. These student d’vars show how students are engaging closely with JWI’s work, and framing their college experience through ancient text.

By Rabbi Donna Kirshbaum

As Hanukkah approaches, we are reminded that we are not the first generation of Jews who have had to balance the desire for peace with the necessity of force.  We gather around hanukiot,  kindling light against the many kinds of darkness that threaten our sense of safety, security and shelter.

By Steph Black

There are holidays for everything—National Hug Your Cat Day is June 4; National Ice Cream Day is July 1; and World Emoji Day is July 17. While I certainly love my cat, Goose, eat my share of ice cream and appreciate a good emoji as much as the next gal, I am also happy that there’s a day to honor friendship—June 8, national friends day.

I’d like to tell you about a friend who has impacted my life in an unexpected way.

By Sue Tomchin

Journalist Elaine Weiss thinks of herself as well-read.  She votes in every election and considers herself politically aware. But five years ago she realized there was a glaring gap in her knowledge.

By Ashley Powell

Observed every year since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has reached millions of people in the United States through the media, local events, and screenings. As the month comes to a close, Ashley Powell reflects on her own mental health journey and the importance of self-care. 

By Steph Black

The Equal Rights Amendment is officially one state closer to being ratified into our Constitution thanks to the incredible work of the people of Illinois. Which means that there is one state left to go. Inch by inch, our country is moving the needle towards a more equal and just union.

By Steph Black

The paycheck of the most important woman in your life will only be 71% of her male counterpart. The woman who raised and cared for you will be economically hampered due to stereotypes and bias. But we think your mom deserves better.

By Courtney Pories

“Shalom bayit” can mean something different to everyone, which is why after writing my first piece for JW magazine, I became curious about how other people create peace in their homes. Monica Edelman, the well-travelled coordinator of JWI’s Los Angeles Young Women’s Leadership Network, shared her story, revealing insights on global Jewry, identity, mutual respect, and expressing your values within your relationships.

By Sue Tomchin

Many Americans mistakenly believe that men and women are guaranteed equal rights in the Constitution, which isn’t the case. Has the ERA’s time finally come?

By Ariela Cohen

As a member of JWI’s Young Women’s Leadership Network I was fortunate to be able to attend The United State of Women (USOW) Summit that took place on May 5-6 in Los Angeles. The passion and commitment of the women I encountered galvanized me. I’m now ready to roll up my sleeves and get involved.

Last week, we asked men why it's important to be leaders in their communities to support survivors and fight sexual assault. This week, we asked: How are you working to #ChangetheCulture to prevent sexual assault? The individuals you'll hear from below reaffirm that there are so many ways to advocate - creating cultural changes in the workplace, teaching children that they have control over their bodies, modeling healthy relationships, simply having a conversation about #MeToo - and more. 

By Courtney Pories

As a young adult who has lived in her first apartment for just a year now, it’s interesting to reflect on how I’ve made my home Jewish. Living with a few other twenty-something Jewish girls, we’re always running between working and socializing, trying to figure out how this whole “adulting” thing works - how do we take the time to build a home?

By Deborah Rosenbloom

The overarching question is: At what cost, and at whose cost, is shalom bayit created? When is shalom bayit a façade masking suffering and pain, making it essential to speak out and speak up?

by Sue Tomchin

Psychologist Robin Stern is committed to empowering us to break free from the spell of manipulative relationships—whether in the public sphere or in personal lives. Her advice is something we all need to listen to.

On March 15, Stern spoke to an audience of over 200 shelter professionals taking part in one of JWI’s monthly webinars, educating them about the signs of gaslighting and how they can help clients recover from its effects.

by Sarah Tuttle-Singer, New Media Editor at The Times of Israel

So this Purim I’m teaching my daughter another lesson.  I’m teaching her that Vashti was a  hero, too.  

by Anita Silvert, www.anita.silvert.wordpress.com

About twenty years ago, my 7 or 8 year old daughter and I were discussing Purim costumes. She said, "Mom, what's the difference between Vashti and Esther's costume? They were both queens." I was stumped.

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, JWI communications manager Lauren Landau wrote about the nonprofit's work to ensure the health and happiness of the Jewish community and the families within it. This post originally appeared in the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism's blog.

JWI's work to end violence against women and girls is not done alone. This is our tribute to some of the wonderful men we are proud to call allies.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is the perfect time to promote workplace policies that give abused employees paid time off to secure protection.

Learn what JWI is doing to encourage every woman to use her voice in the voting booth this November.