The chief executive of the Fawcett Society is stepping down after three years in the role.

The gender equality charity said Jemima Olchawski would leave in six months’ time, at the end of its financial year.

The charity told Third Sector it could not provide details on her next steps or the reasons for her departure. 

Olchawski, who was head of policy at the Fawcett Society between 2015 and 2018 before becoming chief executive of the women’s and girls’ charity Agenda, returned to Fawcett in 2021 to take up the top job. 

She had previous roles as events manager and director at the left-wing think tank the Fabian Society and was a public policy manager for the London Borough of Newham.

“I have loved leading Fawcett and feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a special organisation,” Olchawski said.

“This is a pivotal moment for the society, with the potential to drive through significant changes for women with the new government. 

“We have an exciting new future-facing strategy launching soon, and so it feels like the right moment for the next leader to step in and work on the entirety of that.”

Olchawski said it was important to her that the Fawcett Society continued its history of evidence-based campaigns that create real change for women.

“I’ve also worked with the brilliant team at Fawcett to make sure that we put women’s voices and experiences front and centre, that we build connection and community among our membership and beyond,” she said.

“I’m moving on and I am excited about next steps. Of course, I’ll still be a Fawcett member and proud supporter.”