Mission
The mission of the Jól-Lét Foundation is to contribute to a welfare based society where women and men are equal. A fundamental prerequisite in achieving this is women’s economic empowerment and strengthening women in decision-making positions.
We, as generations of women pass on our knowledge, experiences and solutions. We share them with love, to support one another, even at times when despite our best intentions, we hurt each other. The world has changed drastically over the past 150 years, regardless of your gender, but we are scarred by a millenia of trauma, social patterns and expectations. More and more women feel that one’s life, social positions, freedom, physical, mental and financial security is still determined by the values, power relations of patriarchy. If we continue to support each other, cherish fairness, care, respect, and consistently commit to solidarity, we have a chance to have a say in important questions that shape how our society treats women.
Ring Budapest
Our initiative, „Ring” is a hub designed with women’s needs in mind to support building on their talents and developing their skills. It is a supporting safe-space, where women can be inspired by like-minded professional, communities, and other members of the hub. Ring Budapest’s mission is to increase women’s participation, influence, and recognition in all spheres in the economy, public life, and the arts.
Our Ring Podcast is an online portrait series featuring female entrepreneurs and women in senior management roles at medium and large companies. “Our goal with this series is to showcase real-life examples and career paths for women planning their careers and businesses. There are no limits, only possibilities.” (Krisztián Wolf)
The goal of is to showcase the current entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hungary through real-world examples, featuring founders of successful startups and industry experts, while providing advice and guidance on social, legal, and business matters, as well as macro- and microeconomic issues. The invited experts go beyond the usual aspects of running a business and delve into today’s hot topics such as environmentally conscious, sustainable management, the question of social utility, or even fundraising. Our primary target audience are female entrepreneurs, as well as stakeholders and investors open to supporting women-led businesses.
World Women’s Entrepreneurship Day November 22, 2022, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m
This year marks the fifth time we are organizing the Hungarian event for World Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (Women’s Entrepreneurship Day – WED), which draws attention to the positive impact of women entrepreneurs and women-led initiatives on sustainability and their participation in solving global and local problems.
While part of the world is expanding into the metaverse, across much of the globe there is immense uncertainty regarding the prospects for achieving genuine well-being and security at the individual, community, and societal levels. New technologies could hold new, promising economic opportunities for increasingly educated women across different generations; at the same time, however, amid crises that seem to have become entrenched since COVID, the focus has increasingly shifted toward preserving existing positions and caring for family members. Never before has the importance of prioritizing so-called feminine values been so clear—across all levels of the economy and society, and in every aspect of the lives of individuals and families, regardless of gender. There is an urgent need for cooperation, solidarity, empathy, and patience to prevent crises from deepening. Ensuring women’s meaningful social influence and agency is non-negotiable. And the only way to achieve this is by breaking down our barriers, prejudices, insecurities, and fears.
The gender inequalities characteristic of the business world clearly reflect the real situation of women and men in our societies. Although in recent years female leaders and female entrepreneurs have become increasingly visible in Hungary as well, and their awareness has grown, with more and more communities being formed, improving their ability to advocate for their interests is essential in an age of segregation and isolation—just as transcending our own boundaries often is—and is key to creating a secure future for all of us.
Who sees things where, why, and how; who crosses and/or draws boundaries; what they do, can do, or would like to do— is presented at this year’s event by the JÓL-LÉT Foundation, now in its 20th year, which assesses the current situation and highlights opportunities. This year, the event is hosted by the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which feels a responsibility to improve the situation of women entrepreneurs.
Our topics:
- From setting boundaries to soaring without limits
- Men who support women—in every sphere: private life, the workplace, business investments, public life
- Women leaders, women’s communities, women’s solidarity
- Hungarian women entrepreneurs in the wider world
- The interests of women entrepreneurs, the reality and possibilities of advocacy – chambers and civil society
- WELL-BEING after 20 years – from career reinvention through economic independence to increasing women’s influence
- Developing sustainable businesses – Bridge to Benefits – Masterclass
- Workshops, personal consultations
- Online campaign and fundraising options
- Living library – introductions by women in civil society
You can follow the program’s progress on the event’s Facebook page.
For women – I am finding where my path leads, finding my community
Changes in personal life also have a huge impact on the course of women’s careers. Having children is a turning point for everyone: with each child, we must rethink our plans. Prolonged absences, a new life situation, a move, a divorce, or even a new relationship, and later, increased responsibilities related to aging parents, also influence our plans and opportunities. Change can go hand in hand with developing a new mindset, whether that means learning a new profession or starting your own business.
A new beginning brings new challenges. Your knowledge, skills, and personality will be put to the test once again – those starting over often feel uncertain due to their lack of knowledge about the job market or even their limited experience in the business world. Even during the job search, they may get feedback that shakes their confidence about their opportunities, suitability, or even their own self-worth.
More uncertainty can come from balancing work and personal life, family, and the responsibilities that come with them, questions on what success means, and managing expectations.
Aligning with values we cherish at JÓL-LÉT Foundation, counselling means that those who turn to us want to grow, make changes, and find their place in life.
We support them in this journey and offer our counselling.
For organisations
A company’s sense of social responsibility is reflecting in serious a company is about their employees’ wellbeing, their talent and ability to voice their opinions.
So far, we have primarily contributed to the implementation of gender equality in our partner organizations through our activities supporting flexible, women-/mother-/family-friendly employment, as well as through the solutions offered under our Proactive Parental Leave Management Program developed in 2011. Meanwhile, we have helped in developing their anti-discrimination practices and assessing the state of gender equality. At the same time, we strive to support women’s career advancement to ensure the prevalence of a feminine value system of sustainability.
Our unique experience is very diverse: we took part in family-friendly and mother-friendly organizational development, supporting the introduction of atypical work arrangements, leadership development and sensitivity training, skills development, work-life balance and stress management, special, awareness-raising campaigns, corporate family and Children’s Day programs, corporate expectant mother and parent clubs, and the planning and facilitation of financial literacy.
Corporate references:
- KPMG Hungary
- Magyar Telekom
- MARS Hungary
- MOL
- Morgan Stanley
- SANE Production
- UFS Group Holding
- UPC Hungary
Milestones
The JÓL-LÉT Foundation was established in 2002 to find solutions to the challenges of balancing parenthood with work. As initiators and participants in national and international research, employment, business development, and networking projects, we continuously refine our theoretical and practical knowledge to develop innovative services for organizations and individuals, and provide expert services to stakeholders in the business, government, and municipal sectors.
Our activities include advocating for the economic participation of women and mothers, taking action against discrimination against women, and initiating legal proceedings.
Our expert and advocacy activities aim to identify contradictions in the regulatory environment and overcome attitudinal barriers. This would not be possible without our involvement in the Hungarian Women’s Lobby, the domestic affiliate of the European Women’s Lobby, our membership and activities in the Employers’ Equal Opportunity Forum and the Telework Association, as well as our extensive network of international contacts.
Mission
The mission of the Jól-Lét Foundation is to contribute to a welfare based society where women and men are equal. A fundamental prerequisite in achieving this is women’s economic empowerment and strengthening women in decision-making positions.
Kata Keveházi
Leader of the foundation
Driven by my unwavering sense of justice, my curiosity, and my determination to take action–in every sphere of life–I work so that we, as women living in the 21st century, at every age and in every life situation, can strive–free from prejudice, consciously, and courageously–to find our best selves, embrace our changes, and live out our inner strength. This is what enables us to be capable and ready to take responsibility for our communities and the shaping of humanity’s destiny–for the sake of balance in the present and security in the future, and to create true well-being.
Éva Fazekas
job-seeking consultant author of the Jobangel blog
A Women already possess everything necessary for financial independence: they have the education, knowledge, willingness, and routines needed to build a career–and with it, overall security. Now, we “only” need to broaden society’s perspective regarding women’s career-building aspirations and opportunities.
Kinga Kánya
Sociologist, equal opportunities expert
I believe that a network of women’s communities helping one another is capable of taking active steps to advance their own interests and create equal opportunities.
Ágnes Leichtman
executive coach, literature therapist
I believe that anyone who represents people or causes and works passionately in their chosen field is a leader. However, everyone can be an authentic leader in their own way, and this is true regardless of gender. For women, this path is often steeper, more bumpy, and full of obstacles. I work to help turn these obstacles into opportunities so that everyone can find their own path to leadership and reach their desired destination. Through the power of presence and mindfulness, and as a Jungian coach and literary therapist, I support leaders using the tools of symbols and the unconscious.
Dr. Mariann Rózsáné Lupkovics
Labour lawyer
I have always been concerned with human rights, particularly civil liberties, the major issues of equal opportunity, and the legal and other avenues available to minorities and the vulnerable for expressing and protecting their interests. I remained in the union as a lawyer to help workers through the tools of the law, and that is why I very quickly took the side of women’s equality, to provide legal support and give a voice to women rightfully demanding equal rights.
Krisztián Wolf
Media and Marketing Expert
Achieving gender equality is one of the most urgent tasks. It is essential for economic prosperity, boosts our country’s GDP, and brings new, fresh, and innovative solutions to the economy, education, and the exploration of new fields. Our society will be safer and healthier if it values women and men equally. But most importantly, gender equality is not an option, but a human right. Upholding and expecting it is not a matter of choice, but a duty.
Women’s Click Job Search Training
The Women’s Click Job Search Training is one of a kind, as it is designed for women with young children who are returning to the workforce, but it can also be beneficial for fathers looking for work! Our training is for you if you’ve been at home with your children for years and are now looking for a job, or if you have a job but it’s not compatible with your personal life and you want to spend more quality time with your children, partner, and family alongside your work. Do you want to take control of your job search? Click here!
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