Gender Segregation

Last week, it was announced that a man would lead Israel's Ministry of Social Equality—the ministry responsible for, among other things, gender equality. This, on its own, would not be problematic, but it leaves the total number of women Directors General of government ministries at zero. This lack of representation is not only misaligned with public opinion, it is also a blatant violation of a Supreme Court ruling and reflects disregard for the rule of law.

While it’s important to facilitate the integration of Haredim into academia and the workforce, seperate graduate program for men and women can be harmful to the rights of women and often clashes with the law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in public places.

The diminished number of women in decision-making positions in government, coupled with the increase in attempts to implement gender segregation, threatens the right to equality.

Women in senior government positions are leaving their roles, the number of victims of domestic violence is rising, and the prevailing spirit from the government does not bode well. Now more than ever, there must be a call for immediate and fundamental change in placing women's rights at the top of the national agenda.