As women continue to succeed in every sector of Israeli society years after Golda Meir was elected as the fourth woman head of state in the world, much can still be done to minimize the gaps persist in ours and other democracies around the world. Women continue to be left out of decision-making fora, earn less in comparison to their male counterparts, and bear the brunt of sexual and domestic violence. These issues have received more attention of late as a result of the new government, sworn in at the end of 2022, which is composed of far less women than the previous one. Further, many in the public fear that its policies could be detrimental for feminism.
To mark International Women’s Day 2023, the Jerusalem Press Club has launched a new project in which influential women in Israel will answer several key questions expressing their opinions on the current trends. To begin, we present four outstanding women to share their thoughts.
Remember, reporters are free to contact JPC to facilitate independent follow-up conversations with all of our experts.
Hagit Moshe
Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Chairperson of the Jewish Home Party
“In the current situation, the absence of women in significant positions in the government indicates that there are barriers to reaching these positions and I agree with the existing criticism. Despite this, I believe that women should be promoted based on their professional skills and not based on the fact that they are women.”
To read the full text, click here.
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Anat Saragusti
Journalist and publicist, manager of Freedom of Press Department in the Union of Journalists in Israel
“The claim as if you have to give up excellency and lower the standards if you want gender equality is false. Women are more educated than men (statistically), and they can compete equally in almost every field.”
“The current government is based on ultra-conservative and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, and they plan to pass some bills that may push gender equality years back.”
To read the full text, click here.
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Naveh Dromi
Manager of the Middle East Forum in Israel, journalist and publicist, Yediot Aharonot and Channel 14
“Today in Israel there are already women who somewhat distance themselves from feminism, as it is presented currently, because it is more associated with the Left, and even the radical Left. Therefore, I think we are headed more and more towards the idea of individual feminism – each woman with her own way of defining herself and her feminism.”
To read the full text, click here.
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Adi Bershadsky
Col. (res.), Israeli Air Force, board member of Israel Aerospace Industries, member of Forum Dvora
“The common term in Israel as described in laws and regulations is “appropriate representation” for women (it is difficult to translate from Hebrew to English). It should be changed and we have to claim equal representation in the government, Knesset (the Israel parliament), the Knesset committees, throughout government offices, among members of the local authorities councils, on the boards of public companies.”
To read the full text, click here.
