Page 2 - WePower ANNUAL REPORT 2020

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TO OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS

As we near the end of 2020, WePower would like to share with you some of the highlights of the past year.
Under the shadow of COVID-19, lockdowns, shut-ins, economic crisis and civic unrest, the past year has been
challenging and has forced upon us many changes, some of which proved to have surprisingly positive results.
While some activities were suspended, others came to take their place, bringing with them new participants,
partnerships and initiatives. As we transferred out activities online, some activities had to be put aside – such as
excursions – while others benefited from the absence of geographic limitations and expanded the organization’s
reach, bringing in new women and new actions. The past year also raised awareness towards old/new issues,
such as the absence of women from COVID-19 related government committees, and the vulnerability of women
as the detrimental effects and side effects of the pandemic hit women the hardest.

Throughout the trials of the past year, we were humbled and grateful for the continued support of our partners
and friends, who cared about us and our participants even when they were facing similar challenges, who were
patient and flexible, and who helped us in reorganizing our financing so that we could overcome these difficult
times. Without them, we could not be where we are today. We invite you to enjoy just some of what your
contribution has helped make possible in the following report.

Recent Appointments to the Board of Directors

After twenty years of advancing women’s leadership, WePower has recently appointed the organization’s
founder, Ms. Michal Yudin, as President, and Ms. Odelya Fridman, former CEO of the HaBima National Theatre,
as its Chairwoman.

The vision of the organization, founded in 2000 by Ms. Michal Yudin, was to see women
comprise at least 50% of decision makers, particularly within government, parliament, local
authorities, directorates and senior management positions. Since its
establishment, WePower has been active nationwide, and has worked
with both national and local government, academic institutions, local
authorities, and with various civil society and business partners.

In the decision to appoint Ms. Odelya Fridman, former CEO of HaBima

Michal Yudin National Theatre, as Chairwoman it was stated: “Ms. Fridman brings
with her extensive business, organizational and management

experience, as well as government connections, and we are confident that together with

WePower’s CEO, Dr. Mazal Shaul, she will help bring the organization and its impact to new Odelya Fridman

heights.

Outstanding WePower Accomplishments to Date

 Ten times more women in key positions in the local councils,
 The establishment of a national training network to support women as they enter public and political

office,
 25% of WePower’s graduates have run for political office,
 Twenty graduates have been contenders for Head of Council or mayoral positions,
 WePower was awarded an Advisory Status to the UN on Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality in

2017,
 In 2014, and together with other women’s organizations, WePower oversaw the amendment to the

party financing law that would ensure that at least 30% of candidates in local elections, public
directorates and religious councils are women.