Women's Representation in Knesset Remains Low Despite UN Goals
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Women are projected to hold only about a quarter of the seats in the next Knesset, with estimates suggesting 31 female lawmakers out of 120. This representation is significantly lower than UN goals for women's participation in decision-making. While Israel was a pioneer with a female prime minister, its current parliamentary representation ranks 95th globally. Gender disparities are also evident in ministerial appointments worldwide, with women concentrated in social portfolios and underrepresented in defense and religious affairs.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Women are expected to hold only 31 out of 120 Knesset seats in the next parliament, about a quarter.
- A "change bloc" government may include 23 women, while a Netanyahu coalition could have only 5.
- Israel ranks 95th globally in female parliamentary representation, according to UN data.
- The 24th Knesset had the highest number of women (45), while the 7th had the fewest.
- Women globally are underrepresented in ministerial roles, especially in defense and religious affairs.
Recent polling data indicates that women will constitute only about a quarter of the Knesset in the next Israeli parliament, with an estimated 31 female lawmakers out of 120 seats. This figure, while potentially slightly improved by actual election results, is considered significantly low. The representation varies by political bloc: a "change bloc" government is projected to include 23 women from parties like Yesh Atid, National Unity, and Yisrael Beiteinu, whereas a Netanyahu-led coalition is expected to have only 5 women from Likud, Otzma Yehudit, and Religious Zionism. Notably, the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism do not include women in their slates.
Despite Israel's adoption of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over a decade ago, which include full female participation in decision-making, current data shows a persistent gap. The 24th Knesset (2021-2022) saw the highest number of women with 45, while the 7th Knesset (1969-1974), during Golda Meir's premiership, had the lowest representation. However, Israel is recognized as one of the first countries to have a female prime minister, a point of national pride.
Globally, Israel ranks 95th in female parliamentary representation, according to UN data from January 2026. Countries like the UAE, Andorra, Mexico, Bolivia, and Cuba have surpassed the 50% mark, with Rwanda leading in its lower house. The article also examines gender disparity in ministerial roles worldwide, noting that women are more likely to hold positions in social welfare and family affairs, but significantly less so in areas like education, foreign affairs, defense, and religion. Miri Regev is highlighted as holding a relatively rare position as a female Minister of Transport among global counterparts, while ministerial roles in religious affairs are held by women in only a small fraction of countries.
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