Opinion
Gender equality: A call to action
"The evidence of the effectiveness of Israeli women in leadership roles is undeniable and spans across all areas of life. The demand for talent in Israel is substantial, and it is imperative for the government, local authorities, and the public sector to prioritize the addition of women to improve their performance," writes Einat Benjamini
The Gender Index for 2023, as published by the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, reveals concerning trends regarding the status of women in Israeli society, particularly in the public and business sectors. The data indicates a 4% increase in gender inequality compared to 2022, spanning across various sectors. In the Israeli government, there are 5 women in office compared to 30 men, while in the Knesset, there are 91 men in office compared to 29 women. Additionally, there are 241 male heads of local authorities compared to only 15 women, and in the public sector, 62% of management positions are held by men compared to 38% by women. The situation in the private sector is equally troubling, with 43,910 men holding CEO positions compared to only 9,090 women.
This negative trend has been exacerbated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as women bore the majority of the burden in managing families under difficult circumstances, leading to more significant damage to their careers compared to men. This trend has intensified dramatically following the establishment of the new government, resulting in a real deterioration, including a decrease in the representation of women in service positions and a complete absence of female CEOs of government ministries.
It is important to remember that in the recent past, these positions were held by incredibly talented women who significantly contributed to the successes of government ministries, the Knesset, local authorities, and business companies. Until recently, major banks were led by women who drove their growth and transition into the digital age.
The struggle for gender equality in Israel is part of a global effort that has seen both successes and setbacks in recent decades. Studies have highlighted the numerous advantages of having women in leadership positions, including higher market value for companies, a causal relationship between women in leadership and business performance, and the normalization of flexible work practices. Additionally, women excel in a transformational management style, promote cooperation within groups, and demonstrate superior or equal abilities to men in several key characteristics required for quality management.
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The evidence of the effectiveness of Israeli women in leadership roles is undeniable and spans across all areas of life. The demand for talent in Israel is substantial, and it is imperative for the government, local authorities, and the public sector to prioritize the addition of women to improve their performance.
It is time to prioritize gender equality - Women must be swiftly promoted and appointed to key positions in government offices, the public sector, and local authorities. The state cannot afford to ignore the vast pool of incredibly talented women who can bring about a dramatic change and contribute to the success of Israel.
Einat Benjamini is the founder of the Israeli branch of the customer experience leader Concentrix+Webhelp.
