Israel is a multi-party parliamentary system based on the elections that are conducted once every four years on the national level and once every five years on the municipal level.&nbsp;

In 1969, Golda Meir was appointed fourth Prime Minister of Israel, thus becoming one of the first women in the democratic world to serve in her country’s highest office. Despite this achievement, however, the inclusion of women in Israel’s cabinets is far from impressive. Compared to other democracies, Israel's female representation is considered ‘average’.&nbsp;

However, the advocates for women are optimistic that in the upcoming elections, to be held on April 9, female representation will reach higher levels as in the recent municipal elections 13 women are elected as mayors.&nbsp;

In the span of 25 years, the number of women in the Knesset rose from seven after the elections in 1988 to 27 in the 2013 elections and 29 women in 2015 elections. This corresponds to 24.2 per cent of all parliamentarians, a share that ranks Israel 66th in the world. &nbsp;However, the top offices like Finance, Defence, and Interior – have never been held by women.&nbsp;

The only senior ministry ever headed by a woman is the Foreign Ministry. Golda Meir served as foreign minister from 1956 to 1966, and Tzipi Livni was a foreign minister from 2006 to 2009. Ministries like Education, Health and Communication have seen the greater representation of women. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, contemporary Israeli politics is undergoing tremendous changes as female politicians are climbing the political ladder at a pace never seen before, for instance, leaders like Orli Levi-Abekasis formed her own political party, and Gesher will contest 2019 elections as she quit Yisrael Beiteinu after clashes with chairman Avigdor Lieberman.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Bar-Shalom is contesting elections from the new Achi Yisraeli party. Moreover, a number of Arab women have filed nominations for the upcoming elections. Dima Tayeh, an Arab Muslim, is going to contest election from the right-wing Likud party.&nbsp;

With women from such diverse social and economic background partaking in the election process, Israel will undergo a change that will benefit the future generations to come. &nbsp;

As we celebrate International Women’s day on March 8, the theme for which is “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”, it is important that world leaders along with the citizens work together to create a gender equal world where we do not need one day to celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women.&nbsp;

Let us pledge this women’s day to create a world where every day is a celebration in the lives of women. The first step towards this is by providing greater representation to women in political offices as that’s the hub of policymaking.&nbsp;

The political circle which was driven and run by male politicians has become more embracing for women in Israel as evident from the growth in the female representation in the last few elections.&nbsp;

However, what is important is that whether April elections prove to be a game changer for women in Israeli politics? As of now, it seems that women’s representation will not only increase but they will also get important profiles.&nbsp;

(The article is co-authored by Ms Sonam Bhavnani, PhD scholar, Amity Institute of Social Sciences)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Israel is a multi-party parliamentary system based on the elections that are conducted once every four years on the national level and once every five years on the municipal level.

Israel is a multi-party parliamentary system based on the elections that are conducted once every four years on the national level and once every five years on the municipal level. In 1969, Golda Meir was appointed fourth Prime Minister of Israel, thus becoming one of the first women in the democratic world to serve in her country’s highest office. Despite this achievement, however, the inclusion of women in Israel’s cabinets is far from impressive. Compared to other democracies, Israel's female representation is considered ‘average’. However, the advocates for women are optimistic that in the upcoming elections, to be held on April 9, female representation will reach higher levels as in the recent municipal elections 13 women are elected as mayors. In the span of 25 years, the number of women in the Knesset rose from seven after the elections in 1988 to 27 in the 2013 elections and 29 women in 2015 elections. This corresponds to 24.2 per cent of all parliamentarians, a share that ranks Israel 66th in the world.  However, the top offices like Finance, Defence, and Interior – have never been held by women. The only senior ministry ever headed by a woman is the Foreign Ministry. Golda Meir served as foreign minister from 1956 to 1966, and Tzipi Livni was a foreign minister from 2006 to 2009. Ministries like Education, Health and Communication have seen the greater representation of women. However, contemporary Israeli politics is undergoing tremendous changes as female politicians are climbing the political ladder at a pace never seen before, for instance, leaders like Orli Levi-Abekasis formed her own political party, and Gesher will contest 2019 elections as she quit Yisrael Beiteinu after clashes with chairman Avigdor Lieberman. On the other hand, Bar-Shalom is contesting elections from the new Achi Yisraeli party. Moreover, a number of Arab women have filed nominations for the upcoming elections. Dima Tayeh, an Arab Muslim, is going to contest election from the right-wing Likud party. With women from such diverse social and economic background partaking in the election process, Israel will undergo a change that will benefit the future generations to come. As we celebrate International Women’s day on March 8, the theme for which is “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”, it is important that world leaders along with the citizens work together to create a gender equal world where we do not need one day to celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women. Let us pledge this women’s day to create a world where every day is a celebration in the lives of women. The first step towards this is by providing greater representation to women in political offices as that’s the hub of policymaking. The political circle which was driven and run by male politicians has become more embracing for women in Israel as evident from the growth in the female representation in the last few elections. However, what is important is that whether April elections prove to be a game changer for women in Israeli politics? As of now, it seems that women’s representation will not only increase but they will also get important profiles. (The article is co-authored by Ms Sonam Bhavnani, PhD scholar, Amity Institute of Social Sciences) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

2019 elections to be a game changer for women in Israeli politics?

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman” noted French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir famously, in her classic book, The Second Sex (1949).

The world is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 with great pomp and show. Yet, 70 years after Simone’s pithy observations, things have not changed much. It is not merely gender equality, but something beyond that is needed to negate the thoughts expressed by the great French philosopher.

In the case of a woman, her birth itself is less than welcome. The love for a son is overwhelming because it is he who takes care of his parents and it is the son who will perform the last rights. Daughter is a paraya dhan (stranger’s property), whose wedding would make the family poorer and smaller.

Considering the fall in sex ratio, laws have been enacted and progressive policies of the central government, like “Beti Bachao Beti Padao” (save the daughter, educate the daughter) have been introduced.

Still, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, up to five crore girls and women are ‘missing’ from India’s population because of termination of the female foetus and high mortality of the girl child due to lack of adequate care.&nbsp;

Data collected by the Office of Registrar General of India from the Civil Registration System (CRS), reveals that in 2016, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan had the worst sex ratio at birth (SRB) of 806. Tamil Nadu, which had sex ratio of 935 in 2007, came down to 840 compared to the all India figure of 877. Karnataka has an SRB of 983, which has declined by 108 marks in comparison with the survey conducted in 2007 when it stood at 1,004.&nbsp;

Despite the rise in literacy, the sex ratio has not improved, says the first phase of the National Family Health Survey — 2015-16 (NFHS 4). As a matter of fact, the sex ratio in many states has significantly decreased despite a corresponding rise in the literacy rate.

It begs the question: Is the supposed disadvantage of a girl child an actual disadvantage, or is it based on societal perceptions?&nbsp;

Perception about women is not just a matter of chance. It has been deliberately built up because of their patriarchal status — &nbsp;how she has to dress, what to study, where to study and whom to marry — are all decided by men.So the biological condition of women, per se, is not a handicap. It is her strength and a special feature. Her unique feminine features, her sex organs, menstruation, pregnancy and her menopause are not just important but are the epicentre of the entire family system.&nbsp;

Still, the accepted reality is that these features are a burden. A menstruating woman is not supposed to participate in routine and religious affairs, as she is considered impure. Menstruation is used as a tool to make women feel inferior about herself and her body.&nbsp;

So, it is the perception that counts. If we feel bad about a thing, it becomes a bad thing; if we feel good about it, it becomes a good thing.

Despite the handicaps, some women have started recognising their true potential, questioning the rules laid down for them by society. They are breaking barriers and have earned a respectable position in society. Indian women are excelling in every field of life, profession or business. Progress is taking place, but it is slow. At some points, the gaps are big and visible.&nbsp;

Despite the rise in literacy levels, the number of working women is on the decline. As per the World Economic Forum survey on gender gap index (2017), India is ranked 108 out of 144. In the gender inequality index — UNDP (2017), India stands at the 127th position out of 183.&nbsp;

According to the National Family Health Survey — 2015-16, working women have declined from 36 per cent in 2005-06 to 24 per cent in 2015-16. &nbsp;

There are more figures. Niti Aayog-SDG India Index - 2018, puts women labour force participation rate at 32 per cent of the total labour force. Women in leadership roles has been pegged at 8.7 per cent in state legislative assemblies.&nbsp;

According to a 2015 study by think tank McKinsey Global Institute, currently, women contribute a mere 17 per cent to India’s GDP, well below the global average of 37 per cent. If women participated in the economy at par with men, India could increase its GDP by up to 60 per cent or $2.9 trillion by 2025. &nbsp;

On International Women’s Day, there is a pressing need for gender-focused structural reforms to increase women’s contribution to productivity and growth.

Improved advancement practices alone can pitch talented women into leadership and managerial roles. There is a need to travel beyond gender equality; empowering of half of the potential workforce has significant growth benefits that go beyond gender equality. &nbsp;

Empowering women can become a reality only when running a family is not her exclusive and sole responsibility. In order to make families, societies and countries prosperous, both men and women will have to share the responsibility jointly. This alone will ensure better participation of women in work.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-quite-clearly-the-second-sex-2727363">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman” noted French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir famously, in her classic book, The Second Sex (1949). The world is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 with great pomp and show.

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman” noted French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir famously, in her classic book, The Second Sex (1949). The world is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 with great pomp and show. Yet, 70 years after Simone’s pithy observations, things have not changed much. It is not merely gender equality, but something beyond that is needed to negate the thoughts expressed by the great French philosopher. In the case of a woman, her birth itself is less than welcome. The love for a son is overwhelming because it is he who takes care of his parents and it is the son who will perform the last rights. Daughter is a paraya dhan (stranger’s property), whose wedding would make the family poorer and smaller. Considering the fall in sex ratio, laws have been enacted and progressive policies of the central government, like “Beti Bachao Beti Padao” (save the daughter, educate the daughter) have been introduced. Still, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, up to five crore girls and women are ‘missing’ from India’s population because of termination of the female foetus and high mortality of the girl child due to lack of adequate care. Data collected by the Office of Registrar General of India from the Civil Registration System (CRS), reveals that in 2016, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan had the worst sex ratio at birth (SRB) of 806. Tamil Nadu, which had sex ratio of 935 in 2007, came down to 840 compared to the all India figure of 877. Karnataka has an SRB of 983, which has declined by 108 marks in comparison with the survey conducted in 2007 when it stood at 1,004. Despite the rise in literacy, the sex ratio has not improved, says the first phase of the National Family Health Survey — 2015-16 (NFHS 4). As a matter of fact, the sex ratio in many states has significantly decreased despite a corresponding rise in the literacy rate. It begs the question: Is the supposed disadvantage of a girl child an actual disadvantage, or is it based on societal perceptions? Perception about women is not just a matter of chance. It has been deliberately built up because of their patriarchal status — how she has to dress, what to study, where to study and whom to marry — are all decided by men.So the biological condition of women, per se, is not a handicap. It is her strength and a special feature. Her unique feminine features, her sex organs, menstruation, pregnancy and her menopause are not just important but are the epicentre of the entire family system. Still, the accepted reality is that these features are a burden. A menstruating woman is not supposed to participate in routine and religious affairs, as she is considered impure. Menstruation is used as a tool to make women feel inferior about herself and her body. So, it is the perception that counts. If we feel bad about a thing, it becomes a bad thing; if we feel good about it, it becomes a good thing. Despite the handicaps, some women have started recognising their true potential, questioning the rules laid down for them by society. They are breaking barriers and have earned a respectable position in society. Indian women are excelling in every field of life, profession or business. Progress is taking place, but it is slow. At some points, the gaps are big and visible. Despite the rise in literacy levels, the number of working women is on the decline. As per the World Economic Forum survey on gender gap index (2017), India is ranked 108 out of 144. In the gender inequality index — UNDP (2017), India stands at the 127th position out of 183. According to the National Family Health Survey — 2015-16, working women have declined from 36 per cent in 2005-06 to 24 per cent in 2015-16. There are more figures. Niti Aayog-SDG India Index - 2018, puts women labour force participation rate at 32 per cent of the total labour force. Women in leadership roles has been pegged at 8.7 per cent in state legislative assemblies. According to a 2015 study by think tank McKinsey Global Institute, currently, women contribute a mere 17 per cent to India’s GDP, well below the global average of 37 per cent. If women participated in the economy at par with men, India could increase its GDP by up to 60 per cent or $2.9 trillion by 2025. On International Women’s Day, there is a pressing need for gender-focused structural reforms to increase women’s contribution to productivity and growth. Improved advancement practices alone can pitch talented women into leadership and managerial roles. There is a need to travel beyond gender equality; empowering of half of the potential workforce has significant growth benefits that go beyond gender equality. Empowering women can become a reality only when running a family is not her exclusive and sole responsibility. In order to make families, societies and countries prosperous, both men and women will have to share the responsibility jointly. This alone will ensure better participation of women in work. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Quite clearly the second sex: Running a family should not be sole responsibility of women

There is a surge in women-led stories in Bollywood but while the female gaze has started to get a space, equal representation is still a distant dream, believe filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Alankrita Shrivastava and Nitya Mehra.

The filmmakers, who worked on Amazon Prime Video's India original 'Made in Heaven', a show created, written and even directed by a team of women with the exception of Prashant Nair, who directed two episodes, believe the there is change but the odds are still stacked against women in the industry.

"There may have been a time when women weren't taken seriously but I haven't experienced that," Zoya, who has been receiving rave reviews for 'Gully Boy', told PTI.

She believes more than the gender of the maker, it's the kind of film one wants to make that matters.&nbsp;

"Notionally, as many people are not buying the tickets for a film with a female protagonist, making that is difficult. But every decade has had films which have been women-led and have broken the ceiling. Right now, every year women filmmakers are coming in, the gaze is changing," she says.

'Lipstick Under My Burkha'&nbsp;director Alankrita, however, says there is a system which isn't "inclusive of women" and statistically, they have only directed about six per cent of the films in the industry.&nbsp;

"Which is why I feel over the decades if you look at the history of popular culture, it is created by men, the point of view is male and even how the audience views it. They have been normalised into watching in a certain way," she says.&nbsp;

This systematic exclusion of women, Reema points out, can be seen even in the armed forces.&nbsp;

"It is a societal thing and it is across the world. It's a major problem but I think we are definitely changing."

Zoya, who has co-written her films with Reema, says the kind of absorption of "women storytellers that's happening in our industry is not happening in America."

"We are better off. I don't think producers today are saying 'Oh, she is a woman', I don't think that's happening," Zoya says.&nbsp;

Alankrita, however, believes it isn't largely true.&nbsp;

"I come from a much smaller cinema space and I think it is really tough. It is obvious that with a lot of women filmmakers, they might want to tell stories which are coming from their lived experiences. Often, women want to make films which are about women."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Alankrita says things change dramatically for a woman when she's directing a film.&nbsp;

"I feel where there is a lot of money involved, between a man and a woman, the traditional patriarchal set up tends to trust the guy more.

"When you have screening for exhibitors when you are trying to get shows for your film, there is not a single woman there. They don't understand what you are trying to make. I feel when there are fifty per cent filmmakers who are woman, the content is going to change dramatically."

What irks Alankrita is the feeling of being constantly judged by a system that is created by men, for men.&nbsp;

"It is a very macho-hero driven industry. The exhibition system is geared towards that, the star system, marketing of a film is driven by that. You are constantly fighting the odds and it is at every level."

Nitya, who assisted Ang Lee and Mira Nair before helming her debut 'Baar Baar Dekho', says a film set today has more women than before.&nbsp;

"When I was an AD and first came to Mumbai, I remember the number of women on a set, that was only for hair, makeup, wardrobe. That's it. Now when I go on a set, it gives me so much pleasure to see so many women working in various departments."

Reema says the times today reflect more inclusion and diversity for women and it isn't as gloomy as before.&nbsp;

"Today, of course, there are so many more choices. It's a positive sign."&nbsp;

There is a surge in women-led stories in Bollywood but while the female gaze has started to get a space, equal representation is still a distant dream, believe filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Alankrita Shrivastava and Nitya Mehra.

There is a surge in women-led stories in Bollywood but while the female gaze has started to get a space, equal representation is still a distant dream, believe filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Alankrita Shrivastava and Nitya Mehra. The filmmakers, who worked on Amazon Prime Video's India original 'Made in Heaven', a show created, written and even directed by a team of women with the exception of Prashant Nair, who directed two episodes, believe the there is change but the odds are still stacked against women in the industry. "There may have been a time when women weren't taken seriously but I haven't experienced that," Zoya, who has been receiving rave reviews for 'Gully Boy', told PTI. She believes more than the gender of the maker, it's the kind of film one wants to make that matters. "Notionally, as many people are not buying the tickets for a film with a female protagonist, making that is difficult. But every decade has had films which have been women-led and have broken the ceiling. Right now, every year women filmmakers are coming in, the gaze is changing," she says. 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' director Alankrita, however, says there is a system which isn't "inclusive of women" and statistically, they have only directed about six per cent of the films in the industry. "Which is why I feel over the decades if you look at the history of popular culture, it is created by men, the point of view is male and even how the audience views it. They have been normalised into watching in a certain way," she says. This systematic exclusion of women, Reema points out, can be seen even in the armed forces. "It is a societal thing and it is across the world. It's a major problem but I think we are definitely changing." Zoya, who has co-written her films with Reema, says the kind of absorption of "women storytellers that's happening in our industry is not happening in America." "We are better off. I don't think producers today are saying 'Oh, she is a woman', I don't think that's happening," Zoya says. Alankrita, however, believes it isn't largely true. "I come from a much smaller cinema space and I think it is really tough. It is obvious that with a lot of women filmmakers, they might want to tell stories which are coming from their lived experiences. Often, women want to make films which are about women." Alankrita says things change dramatically for a woman when she's directing a film. "I feel where there is a lot of money involved, between a man and a woman, the traditional patriarchal set up tends to trust the guy more. "When you have screening for exhibitors when you are trying to get shows for your film, there is not a single woman there. They don't understand what you are trying to make. I feel when there are fifty per cent filmmakers who are woman, the content is going to change dramatically." What irks Alankrita is the feeling of being constantly judged by a system that is created by men, for men. "It is a very macho-hero driven industry. The exhibition system is geared towards that, the star system, marketing of a film is driven by that. You are constantly fighting the odds and it is at every level." Nitya, who assisted Ang Lee and Mira Nair before helming her debut 'Baar Baar Dekho', says a film set today has more women than before. "When I was an AD and first came to Mumbai, I remember the number of women on a set, that was only for hair, makeup, wardrobe. That's it. Now when I go on a set, it gives me so much pleasure to see so many women working in various departments." Reema says the times today reflect more inclusion and diversity for women and it isn't as gloomy as before. "Today, of course, there are so many more choices. It's a positive sign."

Filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Alankrita Shrivastava and Nitya Mehra discuss if Bollywood is inclusive of women today

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2019 elections to be a game changer for women in Israeli politics?

Quite clearly the second sex: Running a family should not be sole responsibility of women

Filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Alankrita Shrivastava and Nitya Mehra discuss if Bollywood is inclusive of women today