Nathan Klabin’s article outlines the worsening gender disparities faced by women in Israel and Egypt due to war and economic hardships. In Israel, women encounter reduced political representation and a widening wage gap, while in Egypt, systemic barriers and domestic violence impede women’s progress. The article calls for urgent reforms to address these issues.
The article by Nathan Klabin, published in The Media Line, discusses the escalating financial, social, and political challenges faced by women in Israel and Egypt, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and economic struggles. It highlights how these factors contribute to an increasing gender disparity in various sectors, pushing women into more vulnerable positions.
In Israel, the war has intensified gender inequality significantly. Women occupy only six out of thirty-two ministerial positions, with representation in the Knesset declining further. Additionally, economic pressures have widened the gender wage gap to 35%, and budget cuts have adversely affected childcare and vocational training. Single mothers and caregivers are particularly at risk, with many being driven out of the workforce. Tali Nir, CEO of 121 – Engine for Social Change, has referred to this scenario as “an invisible crisis,” underlining the escalating burdens placed on Israeli women.
In Egypt, women encounter persistent systemic barriers that hinder their financial independence and access to legal protections. Domestic violence remains a rampant issue, affecting 31% of previously married women, while legal enforcement capabilities are insufficient. The nation ranks a troubling 140th on the Women’s Economic Participation Index, with a female unemployment rate of 17.8%. Noha Elkhouly from the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights warns that the ongoing failures at legal and institutional levels are eroding women’s rights and threatening their financial security.
Klabin’s article provides critical insights into how structural inequalities are perpetuating hardship among women in the Middle East. A thorough examination of these pressing issues is available in the full piece, which underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges.
The examination highlights the increasing gender disparities that women in Israel and Egypt are experiencing due to war and economic struggles. In Israel, diminished representation in government and widening economic gaps create severe challenges. In Egypt, systemic barriers continue to hinder women’s rights and financial security. Both situations ultimately illustrate the pressing need for reforms to address these inequalities.
Original Source: themedialine.org
