Women in Israeli Politics: More Educated, Less Experienced
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
An analysis of realistic Knesset positions shows women entering parliament will be younger and more educated but less politically experienced than men. The data highlights demographic differences, with fewer religious and Arab women in winnable spots and a significant lack of women in senior security roles. The "Bochrim Hacham" initiative encourages voters to consider list composition for better gender representation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Women in realistic Knesset slots are projected to be younger and more educated than men.
- Over half of female candidates are new, compared to one-third of male candidates.
- No ultra-Orthodox women are in realistic Knesset positions.
- Only two Arab women are in realistic Knesset positions.
- There's a significant gender gap in candidates with senior security experience.
- An initiative urges voters to consider list composition for gender equality.
Analysis of the realistic Knesset slots for the upcoming 26th Knesset reveals that women are projected to constitute less than a third of the parliament, with 32 women and 88 men in winnable positions. Should current polls hold, these incoming female lawmakers are expected to be more educated, younger, and possess less political experience than their male counterparts. The data, compiled by the independent social initiative "Bochrim Hacham" (Choosing Wisely) and published in cooperation with 5050 for Gender Equality, examines the top 120 candidates across party lists that are currently projected to pass the electoral threshold.
Among the 32 women in realistic positions, 18 are new candidates, 12 are incumbents from the outgoing Knesset, and two are former MKs seeking a return. This means over half of the female candidates are newcomers, compared to about one-third of male candidates. The average age of female candidates is 50.4, slightly younger than the male average of 53.7. However, the age range for women is narrower (31 years) than for men (55 years), indicating a greater concentration of middle-aged women and a wider spread of ages among men.
Regarding demographics, approximately 69% of female candidates are secular, compared to about 34% of men. Only about 16% of women are religious, versus 25% of men. Notably, no ultra-Orthodox women are in realistic Knesset positions, while ultra-Orthodox men constitute about 18% of male candidates. In the Arab sector, only two women are in realistic positions (6%), compared to 10 Arab men (11%).
Experience in local government is a common background for many candidates. About 34% of women candidates have experience in local government, compared to 27% of men. Seven former mayors or council heads are among the candidates, two of whom are women. Four female candidates previously served as director-generals or deputy director-generals in government ministries, with several prominent figures in finance, transportation, and communications among them. In the security sector, the disparity is stark: only two women out of 15 candidates with senior security experience are running, compared to 13 men.
The "Bochrim Hacham" initiative urges voters to look beyond party leaders and consider the composition of party lists when casting their ballots. Yael Yechiali, CEO of 5050, emphasized that this election will significantly impact gender equality in Israel and encouraged the public to examine the number of women each vote will bring into the Knesset.
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