Judith van Unen

I found out just now. You were such an inspiration to me. I wanted to be a mother exactly like you. Have a family that were as united as the van Unen’s. Have girls who were strong and clear like yours. You were one of the first influences I had on what feminism truly meant. I have carried that with me. Rest in Power beautiful Judith x

Judith's passion as a Board member of The Council of Small Business Associations of Australia (COSBOA) was unbridled. She brought a woman's focus to the group which was hard to match and she kept all 'us boys' in line. Thank you. Gone, but never forgotten.

It was a pleasure to work with Judith on the SEAANZ Board. Such a positive attitude and a fighter to the end.

Judith was a force of nature, a large woman in every sense, with the warmest, most infectious laugh, which she could direct at all the absurdities of life, especially when it was most threatening. Her reaction to the death sentence she was given in 2019 was to invite everyone to high tea to in honor of her 70th birthday, and though I could not attend, I am sure it was a celebratory event, with lots of laughter and high spirits. In 2020, against all odds and with looming fears of a global pandemic, she undertook a trip to New York for the annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), and she continued to advocate for the things she believed in – Justice, Equality, Rights and Access (JERA) — to bring about positive change for women, men and communities. She made appointments with anyone who was still around before the lockdown forced the cancellation of the entire conference. She had no illusions about being cured of the cancer that would eventually kill her, but in the meantime, she was going to get things done, make use of every single minute that she could squeeze out of life, and live it fully. She never let anyone off the hook, least of all herself, with mealy-mouthed obfuscations, and she was direct, truthful and, when needed, even confrontational in her advocacy as in her many friendships. Her involvement with the United Nations reflected her very down-to-earth, practical approach. She truly believed in the large ideals of the UN, and she worked tirelessly for the development of the Global Compact and the dissemination of its Ten Principles, for the SDGs, and especially at the CSW for gender equality and women’s rights with all their implications. But she realized fully that ideals alone and even compacts and resolutions are not enough, and that action is required on the regional, national, local and grassroots levels to bring about the changes that affect individual lives and help one to live free and with dignity. She saw JERA, the organization she established, as “a conduit between community and decision-makers, providing opportunity, access, training, and expertise linkages,” all of these essential to the basic practice by individuals in their communities of ideals generated for the public good. She was a committed member of the United Nations Association of Australia, recognizing the international obligations enshrined in the country’s Federal, State and Territory laws, and she wanted a say in creating those laws at every level. She looked for inclusion and for variety in points of view, even while advocating for women’s rights within a feminist perspective. In 2015, for example, she put together a wonderful workshop at CSW on men and boys and brought together government officials from Australia, civil society representatives from the Marshall Islands and Tonga, and academics from the United States. If she was involved in a workshop or panel, one could be sure it would have solid substance and spark animated discussion. She knew what she wanted, and she generally got a respectful hearing from governments and members of civil society for her clear presentations and her passionate and persistent advocacy. At the CSW we will all miss her strong voice, her no-nonsense approach, her grasp of detail and organizational skill. Most of all, I will miss her laughter and her abiding friendship. She was a truly wonderful woman, and we were lucky to have had her inspirational presence with us for as long as we did. Eva Richter Business and Professional Women International (BPWI) National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs New York (NFBPWC NY)

Thoughts and prayers are with Judith's family and Friends at this very sad time. Judith lived life to the fullest and has left a remarkable legacy behind in being a strong advocate for gender equality and human rights. She will be missed by all who knew her. Namaste Chris Knight Soroptimist International Moreton North Inc. Queensland Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi Country

I am so sad to hear of Judith’s passing. She was a beautiful, gracious, gentle and smart woman, determined to make a difference to the lives of others. She will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure of meeting and working with her.

Remembering Judith Van Unen Judith was a very special and inspiring woman - she radiated warmth, charm, fun and friendliness. Judith's energy and enthusiasm in all she did made her an outstanding and dynamic leader and advocate. It was a joy to know her. My thoughts are with Natalie, Melissa and Luke Sylvia Perry Past BPW International President

It was a pleasure to have met Judith through BPW Her enthusiasm and ENERGY, even when unwell, were inspirational, as was her commitment and dedication to causes she believed in She was a Leader , but most of all she was such FUN to be around Sincere condolences to her beloved Family and the multitude of friends she made around the World