A statement from Beth Schlachter, executive director, FP2020
Jennifer Schlecht devoted her entire career to ensuring that women and girls in crisis situations have access to the best medical care possible including family planning and other reproductive health care. Most recently, she has been a vital part of the FP2020 family at the United Nations Foundation. She was a leader in the field of family planning and humanitarian response, and chose to work from New York so she could have more time with her darling daughter. She delighted in telling us about her daughter’s first day of kindergarten and the clothes she picked out all by herself. In addition to being an adoring mother, her contribution to the lives of women and girls who are living in crisis situations has been extraordinary.
Tragically, like millions of women and girls all over the world, Jennifer and her daughter Abaynesh were victims of domestic violence, by their husband and father. Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations globally and an injustice that the world continues to fail to address. That must change.
Our thoughts remain with Jennifer’s family and our memories of her focus on her life and the thousands of lives she enriched. We are utterly devastated.
***Leaving an abusive partner increases your risk of violence or even homicide dramatically. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, we encourage you to go online to find your national domestic violence support service.***
The Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Fund
To honor Jennifer and her tremendous contributions, the Schlecht family and Family Planning 2020 (FP2020), supported by the United Nations Foundation, have established the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Fund to help women and girls in crisis situations access sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning.
A Selection of Materials Featuring the Incredible Work Jenn Did While at FP2020:
- Family Planning in Humanitarian Crises: An interview with Jennifer Schlecht, Family Planning 2020
- Obtaining Data on the Go: Women and Girls in Humanitarian Contexts
- Les femmes en ont besoin et l’exigent
- Partnership and Coordination Advance Family Planning for Women and Girls Affected by Crises
- Women Need It and Demand It
- World Refugee Day: Leaving no one behind
- The Women’s Refugee Commission: Remembering Jennifer Schlecht
- Family Planning in Emergencies: Essential, Wanted, Needed, and Doable
- Infographic: Women’s Reproductive Health Needs Don’t Stop When Disaster Strikes
