The Fawcett Society has rehired its former policy head to be its next chief executive.

Jemima Olchawski, who is currently chief executive of Agenda, which supports girls at risk of
abuse and violence, will rejoin Fawcett in November.

She was the equality charity's head of policy and insight between 2015 and 2018 prior to joining Agenda.

She replaces interim chief executive Felicia Willow, who has been in the post for a year, during which time the charity had explored a possible merger with the Young Women’s Trust.
Olchawski has 15 years’ experience working in social policy, including roles at the London Borough of Newham and the Fabian Society.

“Jemima knows Fawcett well and her recent experience leading Agenda, the organisation for women and girls facing multiple disadvantage, will be a great asset to Fawcett and will ensure our work is even more relevant to the most excluded women,” said Fawcett chair Fiona Mactaggart.

“The Fawcett Society will continue to lead the campaign for women to be fully represented, to be paid fairly, and to thrive in a society which accepts that they are equal to men.”

Olchawski added: “The past 18 months have been an incredibly challenging time for women and have made absolutely clear that when things get tough it is still women, and in particular women from marginalised groups, who bear the brunt - from poor mental health and the risk of redundancy to horrifying levels of violence against women and girls.

“But we've also seen the power of women coming together and raising their voices. I could not be more excited to be returning to Fawcett and working with the excellent staff team, trustees and members to make sure as we rebuild after the pandemic, we put women's needs and voices at the forefront.”

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