Gender in Israel

Abstract

This chapter traces, identifies, and characterizes the main features of the gender division in Israeli society and politics. It addresses questions relevant to the status of women, as well as the LGBTQ community, and assesses the magnitude of gender inequality in the various societal, cultural, and political arenas. While substantial progress has been made in improving the status of women in Israel, there is still a long road ahead before Israel can achieve true gender equality. In order for such equality to become a reality, genuine change is in order: a focus on the substantive outputs of the Knesset and the government; an emphasis on gender mainstreaming practices; and widespread feminist activity in formal politics, meant to inject critical feminist views into the political system and alter existing gender relations.