Gender equality in israel

Israeli women demand more than election promises as parties face pressure over equality

A WIZO survey found that 54% of respondents wanted parties to present clear plans to advance women, as election candidates were questioned about safety, equal pay, and representation.

OCTOBER 11, 2026|BySARAH BEN-NUN

FROM LEFT: Ziva Glanz of Haredi Public, Lali Deri of People of Israel, Democrats MK Naama Lazimi, Yashar candiate Inbar Yehezkeli, Pnina Tameno-Shete of Blue and White, Israel First candidate Sharren Haskell, and journalist Dafna Liel. (WIZO).

Women make up roughly a quarter of Israel’s Knesset, but their representation thins considerably at the highest levels of political power.

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Where are all the women? Why Israel still struggles to put women at the top of politics

As Israel heads to elections, women remain present in politics but largely absent from its highest ranks

SEPTEMBER 11, 2026|ByCHANI KAPLAN

Activists protest against a bill promoting gender-segregated academic study tracks, introduced by MK Limor Son Har-Melech, outside the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 6, 2026.

Haredi women, academics file petition against Israel's new gender-segregated education law

The petition was filed hours after the Knesset approved an amendment to the law which expressly allows the Council for Higher Education to approve separate programs for men and women.

JULY 16, 2026|BySARAH BEN-NUN

MK Limor Son Har-Melech reacts during a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on March 5, 2024; illustrative.

Knesset approves gender-segregated graduate degree programs in late-night vote

The legislation, Amendment No. 12, 2026, was sponsored by MK Limor Son Har Melech and passed by a vote of 52-43.

JULY 16, 2026|ByNAHUM PERRY

Action taken against J'lem Municipality for vandalization of woman's photo

The petition was filed in response to the repeated vandalism of a photo of Holocaust survivor Peggy Parnes, which is displayed in Safra Square, home to Jerusalem's municipal offices.

JULY 12, 2021BySHIRA SILKOFF

Photographs of Peggy Parnes before and after being vandalized.

Israel ranks 30th in gender equality among 100 countries - study

Norway came first, followed by Finland, Iceland, the UK and then Germany. The United States was 48th, and Pakistan was last.

JULY 10, 2021BySHIRA SILKOFF

Israeli protesters chant slogans as they march in the SlutWalk in central Jerusalem, on June 18, 2021.

First all-female tank crew to be stationed on Egyptian border

Making history, Israel's first all-female tank crew is set to be stationed on the Egyptian border, with a female commander.

JULY 1, 2021BySHIRA SILKOFF

Female soldiers of the Bardales Battalion preparing for urban warfare training, near Nitzanim in the Arava area of Southern Israel.

Angry Miki Zohar tells fellow MK Idit Silman: 'Answer me like a good girl'

Insult comes as part of opposition-led offensive against the new coalition leader'

JUNE 29, 2021BySHIRA SILKOFF

Idit Silman, head of the Arrangements Committee leads a Committee meeting at the Knesset, on June 28, 2021.

Noam Party leader calls for closure of IDF Gender Affairs Department

In a letter to the IDF chief, MK Avi Maoz demanded that the Gender Affairs Adviser to the Chief of Staff unit be closed immediately, saying that it weakens Israel.

MAY 10, 2021BySHIRA SILKOFF

A female IDF soldier shaking out a blanket during a week-long survival course for women in the infantry at an undisclosed location in Israel

Woman denied divorce by rabbinate: 'I don’t want to be Michal Sela'

For some women in Israel today divorce seems like an impossible reality, as religious and legal barriers stretch before them every step of the way. One organization seems determined to change that.

MAY 5, 2021BySHIRA SILKOFF

MAVOI SATUM, together with several organizations, demands solutions the Jerusalem Rabbinical Court on International Women's Day

During COVID-19, women bear the brunt of Israel's burden

"Israel is still a militant, patriarchal and conservative society. Compared with other OECD countries, we are low on the list with everything connected to promoting women to senior positions."

APRIL 28, 2021BySIGAL BEN DAVID

JUGGLING WORK with childcare during a pandemic takes a toll on mental health.

Israel refused trans woman transfer to women's prison, cited 'appearance'

During her time at Nitzan, she experienced repeated harassment from other prisoners on the basis of her gender identity, things she would not have received in a women's prison.

APRIL 10, 2021ByIDAN ZONSHINE