Israeli Women Leaders Highlight Persistent Gender Gaps in Finance in New Documentary

The documentary series "Money of Their Own," premiering tomorrow on Kan 11, explores the ongoing challenges women face in Israel's financial sector. Former Bank Leumi CEO Rakefet Russak-Aminoach shares a pivotal moment when she realized her role as a rare female leader was more significant than she initially thought. Despite being the second and last woman to lead Bank Leumi, she had focused on advancing without fully appreciating her impact as a role model for other women.

Created by Efrat Shalom Danon and Osnat Treblesi, the series is divided into three parts: "Lonely at the Top," featuring interviews with prominent female executives like Adi Soffer Teeni (Meta Israel CEO), Avia Magen (former CEO of Fattal Hotels), and Professor Karnit Flug (first female Governor of the Bank of Israel); "Independent Entrepreneurs," highlighting female founders such as Eti Elishkov (Libra) and Dr. Yehudit Richter (Medinol); and "The Heiresses," profiling women like Yafit Atias and Sarit Yohananof, daughters of well-known business figures. All discuss barriers they faced and how they overcame them.

The filmmakers, who previously worked on "The Chosen," a documentary about women in Israeli politics, emphasize that economic power remains a male-dominated arena with worsening conditions for women. Shalom Danon notes Israel's gender pay gap is among the highest in the OECD, and women often accept lower salaries and hesitate to demand raises. Treblesi points out the lack of legitimacy women feel in finance, with examples of women confidently stating their fundraising goals being rare.

The series also addresses societal pressures unique to women, such as balancing motherhood and leadership, and the stigmatization women leaders face, including being labeled "hysterical." The filmmakers stress the importance of visible female role models who openly discuss their financial success to inspire others. They conclude that while their films alone won't change the world, raising awareness and education can empower women to create supportive environments in business.

"Money of Their Own" sheds light on the persistent gender disparities in Israel's economic leadership and the critical need for cultural and structural change to achieve equality.