Women make up half of Israel, but their political representation is heading backward
Source: YNET News
Women make up roughly half of Israel’s population, but as the country heads toward its next election, their representation in national politics appears to be moving backward.
Israel’s first and second Knessets each included just 12 women, or 10% of all lawmakers. Female representation rose steadily over the decades, peaking in the 24th Knesset, when 45 women served, accounting for 30% of parliament.
And based on the party lists taking shape now, the next parliament could see another decline. At present, no woman is expected to head a party entering the election, and the parties that make up the current governing bloc appear likely to return especially few female lawmakers.
Women make up roughly half of Israel’s population, but as the country heads toward its next election, their representation in national politics appears to be moving backward.
Israel’s first and second Knessets each included just 12 women, or 10% of all lawmakers. Female representation rose steadily over the decades, peaking in the 24th Knesset, when 45 women served, accounting for 30% of parliament.
And based on the party lists taking shape now, the next parliament could see another decline. At present, no woman is expected to head a party entering the election, and the parties that make up the current governing bloc appear likely to return especially few female lawmakers.