Shakeds highlight inequality
'We need change, and not only in politics … now I am chair of a real estate company in Israel, and [I see] hardly any women as CEOs or chairpersons,' she said.
Although former Israeli justice and interior minister Ayelet Shaked, and gender equality activist and Supersonas CEO Liat Shaked, have different political leanings, they are proud sisters-in-law and mothers of two.
Both shined a light on the lack of female representation in Israeli business and politics today, when guest speakers at UIA NSW women’s division’s online afternoon tea campaign event on March 19.
Ayelet – named Israel’s most influential woman by Forbes magazine in 2017 and 2018 – lamented how when she was justice minister between 2015 and 2019, she was the only woman in Israel’s security cabinet – which is the situation still today.
“We need change, and not only in politics … now I am chair of a real estate company in Israel, and [I see] hardly any women as CEOs or chairpersons,” she said.
On a personal note, she recalled having a childhood dream to enter politics, “and I made it happen, and I think everyone can do it – it’s just a matter of will to make the decision, and then to work hard”.
“I say to my 15-year-old daughter that she can do everything – it just depends on her will.”
Liat said that out of Israel’s 125 companies listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, only three have female CEOs.
“Every company that has more women in decision-making levels is more productive and profitable … that’s what the research shows,” she said.
“So until CEOs, companies, and boards make the decisions that need to be made, we, as women, need to step up, encourage each other, network, and make sure we are always advancing, because the world needs us.”
UIA NSW women’s division president Caroline Bolot thanked both Shakeds, and announced Lauren Briggs as the inaugural winner of the division’s Shirley Lowy Award for outstanding commitment by an emerging leader.
Briggs – a member of UIA NSW women’s division since 2018 who is passionate about women’s philanthropy – will now have the opportunity to travel to Israel to see Keren Hayesod-UIA projects in action, and meet other inspiring Jewish female leaders.
Bolot said the 2023 UIA women’s division’s national campaign will support Heartbeats – an early intervention program for families with children aged 0-3, servicing 11 regional areas in Israel.
The program aims to develop healthy parent-child relationships within disadvantaged families, while strengthening parenting skills, and funds raised will be used to establish a Heartbeats centre in Dimona.
To donate to UIA’s 2023 campaign, visit uiaaustralia.org.au/donate
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