The WJA Is Doing a Gender Equality Survey

New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association is asking members of the trade to share their experiences with gender equality in the jewelry industry.

WJA partnered with MVI Marketing to create a survey as part of its Gender Equality project.

Launched last year, the project is a response to feedback from the WJA international board, chapter presidents and members, all of whom identified advocacy for gender equality as a key way the organization could help its members.

The Gender Equality Project’s goal is to make sure that women and men are fairly represented in the jewelry trade.

Now, WJA is surveying women and men in the trade to anonymously gather information about people’s experience with gender equality in the workplace.

“The topics covered in this survey have wide impact and the outcomes will inform, guide and support the work of the WJA Gender Equality Project,” WJA President Jenny Luker said. “We encourage women and men from all levels of the industry to fill out the survey, which takes a quick 10 minutes to complete.”

WJA will publish the results of the survey and use the data collected to determine next steps. Possible areas of action in the future could include workplace coaching and mentorship, or advocacy for more gender-balanced boards.

Since its inception, a Gender Equality Project task force has been meeting to talk about gender issues in the workplace. Its members are: Ashley Chan, Lei Lee Jewels; Jen Cullen Williams, Luxury Brand Group; Peggy Jo Donahue, writer; Anna Martin, Gemological Institute of America; Susan Posnock, Jewelers of America; Maren Rosen, Stuller; and Laurie Watt, Mayer & Watt; as well as Luker, WJA Immediate Past President Brandee Dallow, and WJA Executive Director Bernadette Mack.

Cecilia Gardner, former president, CEO, and general counsel of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee who now runs her own consulting company, assists the group.

WJA’s partner in creating the survey, MVI Marketing LLC, conducts consumer and trade market research, consulting and digital marketing services to clients in luxury goods with a focus on jewelry and accessories markets.

Click here to participate in the confidential survey.