Building a Sukkah of Hope: The Power of Women Supporting Women
As we celebrate Sukkot, we are invited to step beyond the familiar walls of our homes and into a space that reminds us of life’s fragility, our shared humanity and the strength we find in one another.
The sukkah, a temporary dwelling open to the elements, is filled with warmth, hospitality and the joy of gathering. Its simplicity carries a profound message: true security lies not only in the walls we build around ourselves, but in the relationships we nurture, the communities we strengthen and the kindness we extend to others.
For me, this message speaks directly to the power of women supporting women. Across the world, women have always been the builders of homes, communities, institutions and futures. They have nurtured generations, preserved traditions, led movements and created opportunities for others, often while carrying responsibilities that go unseen. Yet, building a future of dignity and opportunity is not something women should have to do alone. We need one another.
Women Hold Up Half The Sky
There is a well-known saying, often attributed to Mao Zedong: “Women hold up half the sky.” It is a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in shaping our world, strengthening communities, sustaining families and driving social and economic progress.
In South Africa, women make up approximately 51% of the population, and more than 42% of households are headed by women. Yet they continue to face significant challenges, with an unemployment rate of 35.9%, compared to 31% among men. Women hold roughly one-third of management positions, despite occupying nearly 46% of seats in Parliament.
In Israel, women have made significant strides in education, representing approximately 58–60% of university students and master’s degree recipients. Yet, despite these achievements, a gender income gap persists, and women hold only around 25–29% of seats in the Knesset.
These figures reveal a painful contradiction: women are pillars of our societies, yet they continue to face barriers to equality, economic security and leadership. Their contributions to families, communities and economies are immense, but their work is too often undervalued, and their opportunities remain unequal.
True equality means more than recognising what women contribute. It means ensuring they are respected, supported and empowered to shape their own futures.
The question is not whether women can carry half the sky. It is whether we are doing enough to ensure that they do not have to carry it alone.
A Legacy Of Strength In Our Jewish Tradition
Our tradition is rich with women whose courage, wisdom and leadership helped shape our people’s history. Miriam led the women in song after the crossing of the sea; Deborah served as a prophetess and judge; and Ruth’s loyalty became a story of belonging and renewal. We honour the wisdom and generosity of Eshet Chayil and the courage of Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives who risked their lives to protect others.
Their stories remind us that leadership is not defined by titles, but by the lives we touch and the opportunities we create. As the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” Jewish women across the world continue to shape education, science, public life and community leadership, each bringing her own experiences and perspective.
For WIZO, women supporting women is more than a sentiment; it is our mission. It means creating opportunities, strengthening communities and ensuring that women and children have the support they need to thrive. When women are empowered, entire families and communities benefit.
This is the spirit that connects WIZO’s work with Sukkot: our shared responsibility to create spaces where everyone feels safe, valued and supported. A sukkah is built through many hands, each contributing to its strength. So, too, is a strong community.
May our sukkot be filled with joy, our homes with peace and our communities with the enduring strength of solidarity.
Chag Sameach.
With love,
Shelley Trope-Friedman
President, WIZO South Africa