Women in Leadership II

A very interesting discussion has been happening on the Lookjed list (once again, a great resource for Jewish educators and people interested in Jewish education). Rabbi Yitzchak Jacobs asks why there are not more women in school administration roles. All of the responses are thoughtful and worth reading, but I have higlighted one here by Jordana Schoor, the Executive Director of the Orthodox Caucus:

The Orthodox Caucus has been researching and trying to raise awareness about the dearth of women within Orthodox leadership. What is most disappointing about reading the Lookjed exchange is that we have found Jewish education to be the place where women have made the most inroads and progress. While the numbers and recognition are certainly not at 50%or anywhere near there, there are many women very satisfied with their careers on all levels of education, and contributing to our schools in significant ways. While there is certainly much work to be done to change cultural attitudes and expectations and to give more women equal access to leadership positions, the fact that (to name a few) Ramaz, Kushner, Beth Tefilla and Yeshivat Rambam (coed schools), and more all- girls schools are headed by women is a step in the right direction.

An area where women have not had as much influence as they do in schools seems to be in Orthodox organizations-- on both professional and laylevels. Barring the women's-oriented groups (Amit, Emunah, Shalom Task Force. . ) there are just a handful of women in top, or even mid-level administrative positions in Orthodox institutions. Perhaps some of this imbalance professionally is due to the imbalance on the lay boards-- where women do not sufficiently serve or represent their gender's needs and desires. Women comprise about 20% of school boards and even smaller numbers in shuls and other institutions. The voice of women and their unique skills, needs, and sensitivities are not heard sufficiently in all areas and perhaps in the hiring and promotion process as well.

The Caucus is beginning to focus on helping lay boards value and use women's opinions and talents to make their institutions even greater than they are. Our hope is that with awareness-raising and practical tinkering (when and where are meetings held, what are the expectations and processes for Board membership, training and mentoring for women joining boards. . .), cultural change will engender new perspectives and decisions that will affect women working and volunteering in all our Orthodox institutions. At the same time that we will be working with Boards on their improvement, women must rise to the occasion and serve on boards of schools, shuls, chessed and national organizations, creating a culture where women will be seen as an integral parts of the professional and lay leadership.

The Caucus is always looking for feedback and input from the community so I invite you to please contact me with your perspectives on this issue -- jordana@ocweb.org

Many thanks,
Jordana Schoor
The Orthodox Caucus, Executive Director
www.ocweb.org