Israel Marks International Women’s Day

March 9, 2017

by: Ilse Posselt

Thursday, 09 March 2017 | Yesterday marked International Women’s Day, a day set aside every year on 08 March, to commemorate the plight and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women throughout the ages. The theme for the 2017 International Women’s Day was Be Bold for Change.

When it comes to equal treatment for women, Israel certainly has something to celebrate. Situated in a surrounding neighborhood notorious for its extreme and oppressive stance towards women, Israel stands as a beacon of hope where women enjoy full rights. With the Jewish state ranked first in the Middle East on gender matters, Israeli women are treated as equals, free to pursue their dreams and talents and participate in every echelon of power.

Israel has a proven track-record for being a pioneer in the equal treatment and uplifting of women. In fact, 69 years ago, Israel’s Declaration of Independence became one of the first constitutional documents in the world to officially address and guarantee gender equality. It ensured “… complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.”

Coming at a time when equal rights for women were the exception rather than the norm, the Declaration of Independence enabled Israeli women to participate actively in all spheres of life.

The Jewish state broke further ground for gender equality when it became the third country in the world to be led by a female prime minister. Golda Meir, also known as the “Iron Lady” of Jewish politics, was elected as the fourth prime minister of Israel in 1969 and served until 1974.

Examples of areas in which Israel continues to give gender stereotypes the boot are women playing leading roles in politics and business as well as in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The current Israeli government features the largest feminine representation in the country’s history with a record number of 33 women lawmakers serving among the Knesset’s (Israeli government) ranks.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked also mentioned this week that she has aspirations to run for prime minister, albeit not anytime soon. Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the Sami Shamoon College of Engineering in Beersheba on Monday, Shaked was asked whether she sees Israel having another female prime minister and whether she would consider filling that position, The Jerusalem Post reports. The justice minister answered, “It is not in my short-term plans, but long-term, definitely; I do not rule anything out,” she said. “I do not think the public chooses based on gender but based on who is the most fit. The sky is the limit.”

Moreover, when it comes to the business world, the Start-Up Nation’s booming tech industry continues to boast an increasing number of female success stories. At present, a total of 107,500 Israeli women work in the high tech industry.

The IDF is another area in which the Jewish state continues to set an example for gender equality as Israeli men and women work to protect their country, home and families. In Israel, both men and women perform mandatory military service—three years for men and two for women.

The Jewish state’s army was the first in the world to include mandatory military service for both genders. In fact, Israel’s first prime minister David Ben-Gurion said, “The army is the supreme symbol of duty and as long as women are not equal to men in performing this duty, they have not yet obtained true equality.”

Following Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, the number of women serving in combat roles dwindled and then disappeared. Yet times have changed. Today a growing number of women opt to become combat soldiers, serving side-by-side with their male counterparts for three years. According to figures released by the IDF, 38% of female recruits request to be evaluated for combat service. As of 2013, 4.3% of combat soldiers in Israel are women. The number increases annually. Israeli women now serve in a wide array of combat units, included as pilots and submarine crews, both of which are classified as elite units.

Despite the Jewish state’s groundbreaking strides in gender equality, certain aspects such as the wage gap between men and women still require attention. Going forward, the Israeli government does, however, remain committed to seeking resolutions.

Posted on March 9, 2017

Source: (Bridges for Peace, 09 March 2017)