UIA Women’s Division presents: Women of Impact – Nurturing Our Nation

This year UIA Women’s Division’s theme, ‘Nurturing Our Nation: Women of Impact:’ will spotlight the extraordinary stories of female icons who have proudly stood up for the People of Israel and whose advocacy has made an everlasting impact.

We are thrilled to announce that our outspoken ally Elica Le Bon will be our headline speaker. Elica is an attorney, artist, and a human rights activist. Born in London to Iranian ex-pat parents and now based in Los Angeles, Elica’s journey from criminal defence attorney to international advocate has made her a prominent influence for human rights in the Middle East. She has become the clear voice of unbiased, well-researched and perfectly articulated arguments against terror in the Middle East and across the globe. Her advocacy focuses on truth-telling, bridge-building, and shining a light on injustice, emphasising the role that ordinary people can and should take in nurturing peace in the face of extremism.

We will also hear a first-hand account of the inspiring story of Israeli heroine Gali Eilon.  On October 7, at just 15 years old, Gali transformed her bomb shelter in Kfar Aza into a command centre, managing WhatsApp communications that saved dozens of lives on her Kibbutz. Gali’s leadership and courage have made her a symbol of what Jewish women can achieve even under unimaginable distress.

The events will also highlight the transformative impact of UIA’s Heartbeats program through the story of Tair, a young mother from Ashkelon. After battling severe postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Tair’s road to recovery was overturned by the October 7 atrocities. Forced to flee her home, she and her family faced months of displacement which could have derailed her mental health state even further, had it not been for the unwavering support that Tair received from the Heartbeats program. Reflecting on her journey, Tair shared, “Heartbeats didn’t just help me; it saved my family. You didn’t just support a program—you saved a family.”

As UIA Australia Women’s Division President Debbie Schaffer emphasised, “in a post October 7 landscape, the world has seen previously lauded feminists and feminist organisations in a startlingly new and unflattering light when they refused to include Jewish and Israeli women in their advocacy. Since then, we have seen the emergence of new feminist icons with diverse backgrounds and extraordinary stories who stand strong in the face of adversity and shine a light on truth, justice and feminism for all women. We are so proud to host these Women of Impact.”

Jewish Women across Australia will come together for the UIA Women’s Division 2025 Campaign events on Sunday 16 March in Sydney, Wednesday 19 March in Melbourne, and Thursday 20 March in Perth.

Funds raised will directly support Heartbeats, a national initiative ensuring families across Israel receive the critical care they need to heal and thrive. We anticipate that these events will sell out.  To book for UIA Women’s Division 2025Campaign Events, visit uiaaustralia.org.au or contact your local UIA office:

NSW: (02) 9361 4273, [email protected]

VIC: (03) 9272 5533, [email protected] – Overflow seats only

WA: (08) 9275 1186, [email protected]