Image: (from left) Nicky Friedman, Dr Kirsten Abernethy, Leena van Deventer. Photo by Tatanja Ross (On Jackson Street).

The Victorian Women’s Trust is built on relationships. Since it was established in 1985, it has forged strong connections between different quarters; activists and allies, donors and supporters, staff and board. Each relationship is underpinned by feminist governance and accountability, qualities wholeheartedly embraced by our leadership. In 2026, the Trust ushers in a new chapter with Nicky Friedman as Chair, and a new Deputy Chair in Leena van Deventer. Both women have deep roots in the VWT community, and share a desire to continue its strong tradition of feminist action.

“For us, feminist governance isn’t anything niche; it simply means good governance, and accounting for who holds power and who shapes decisions,” said Dr Kirsten Abernethy, VWT Executive Director. “Representation without influence is not enough.”

“Ultimately, it’s about being accountable to our community, and being transparent about our decisions,” continued Kirsten. “And taking the time to reflect and evolve our governance practices over time.”

Someone who understands this better than most is Nicky Friedman. Since the late 1990s, Nicky has been part of the fabric of the Victorian Women’s Trust — first joining as a volunteer, then as a staff member, later becoming a Board Member in 2006, and Deputy Chair in 2018. In 2026, she steps into a new era as Chair of the Board. 

As well as a longstanding VWT supporter, Nicky is also Head of leading law firm Allen’s renowned pro bono practice. Her long history with one of Australia’s oldest women’s funds makes for a unique outlook on gender equality progress, and what’s needed today to keep momentum alive.

“My first contact with the Trust was reaching out to find out about volunteering opportunities,” said Nicky. “I’d just had my second baby and was home on family leave from my job as a lawyer and restless and wanted to do something for a women’s cause.”

“I met the then volunteer contact, Sophie Best, who suggested I join the committee running the corporate event, Backroom to Boardroom. Through that, I met [former VWT Executive Director Mary Crooks AO] and was totally hooked on the Trust’s approach to feminism and public policy work and wanted to be part of it.” 

“I asked Mary if I should study public policy and she said no, come and work on the Purple Sage Project (which was then just beginning), you’ll learn a lot more about public policy that way. So I worked on the project for the next two years,” continues Nicky. “I had Tommy, my youngest child, during that time and he used to come to our meetings and events and lie on a mat on the floor.”

The Victorian Women’s Trust has been fortunate to have been guided by a range of leading feminist thinkers who come from a wide variety of backgrounds; each giving up their time to shape the organisation into an enduring advocacy organisation. Over the last 10 years, the VWT Board has been chaired by Alana Johnson AM, a hugely influential figure in rural Australia. Foundational to the formation of Voices for Indi, Alana is also known for her work as a founding member of Australian Women in Agriculture, and remains strongly connected to the Community Independents Project.

Having worked alongside Alana for many years, Nicky doesn’t take the next iteration of her role lightly. “Leading after Alana is a big responsibility,” said Nicky. “Alana has deep ties to feminism, to rural and regional Australia, to democratic process. She’s a leader in the sector in so many ways and an inspiration as a woman who can galvanise, support generously, think creatively, build collegiality and collaboration.”  

“I hope to be able to do justice to her work and to continue the Trust’s process of adapting to the ever-changing context in which we need to do the work of gender equality.”

Reflecting on what it means to be at the helm of a feminist organisation at this point in time, when far right forces are gathering steam, Nicky agrees the challenge is there, but it can be surpassed. 

“To chair the Trust in 2026 is to contend with a world of geopolitical turmoil, financial insecurity, employment uncertainty, a toxic online world that fosters misogyny at scale,” said Nicky.

“My role is to work closely with my fellow directors and with Kirsten and the staff to identify where we can be most effective in our gender equity work. We can’t do it all and it’s critical that what we choose to do is what’s most worth doing.”

Nicky also emphasised the importance of good leadership and solid partnerships between the Board and the Executive Director, Dr Kirsten Abernethy. 

“Kirsten has only just got her feet under the desk after Mary’s long and inspiring work at the helm of the Trust,” said Nicky. “It’s my priority as Chair to support Kirsten in her early years as ED, to ensure the Trust is in the best shape possible to deliver on our strategy.”

In addition to a new Chair, the Victorian Women’s Trust has also appointed a new Deputy Chair, Leena van Deventer. An award-winning writer, game developer, and educator, Leena has served on the VWT board since 2017. In her professional life, Leena has taught interactive storytelling at both RMIT and Swinburne University, and published Game Changers: From Minecraft to Misogyny, the fight for the future of video games with Dr Dan Golding (Affirm Press, 2016).

Reflecting on the transition from Alana to Nicky, Leena recalled the many lessons in community building imparted by the outgoing Chair.

“In my years on the Board, Alana has taught me how much it matters to say thank you to people, and how that simple act keeps everything moving,” said Leena. “As Chair, she never let a contribution go unacknowledged, and that’s instilled a culture of warmth and generosity I hope to honour and nurture in the years ahead.”

Leena also underlined the importance of a strong relationship between herself and Nicky. “I’m thrilled to be working alongside Nicky as her Deputy and I’m excited for the opportunity to grow into our new roles together,” said Leena. “I deeply appreciate her sharp mind and unwavering commitment to fairness, and I feel very lucky to be learning from her in practice.” 

Looking ahead, Leena was enthusiastic about our potential to push for change, and continuing to ensure gender equality remains a priority, despite backlash.

“I’m so excited about this new era for the Trust,” continued Leena. “It feels like we need material change more than ever right now, and the VWT is uniquely placed to change conditions for the better for so many people. I’m constantly inspired by this team and looking forward to our work together — we have lots to do!”