Interior Ministry blocks female majority on local authority boards: 'examining the issue of adequate representation for both sexes'

The Interior Ministry refused to approve appointments of senior female executives and a public representative to boards of local authorities, citing that their inclusion would create a female majority. Heads of Gezer, Rehovot, and South Sharon turned to the ministry and the Attorney General. The ministry will review its policy.

The Interior Ministry refused to approve appointments of senior female executives and a public representative to boards of corporations in local authorities, arguing that their inclusion would create a female majority. This was reported today (Monday) by Kan News. The principle of equal representation for women on boards is meant to prevent exclusion, but in practice such phenomena occur. In the Gezer Regional Council, a female treasurer was replaced by a male treasurer; in Rehovot, the appointment of a female CEO to a municipal corporation board failed; and in South Sharon, the addition of a public representative was not approved. The heads of the authorities, Rotem Yadlin, Matan Dil, and Osherat Gani Gonen, turned to the Interior Ministry and the Attorney General to ensure that women's success does not become a barrier. The Attorney General stated that the appeal was received and will be handled. The Interior Ministry stated that the committee for examining the fitness of appointments is required to examine the issue of adequate representation for both sexes. The ministry's director general, Israel Ozen, instructed to examine the issue and the existing policy. The organization "Bonot Alternativa" responded that the ministry is turning the equality mechanism into a tool that excludes women from decision-making rooms.

Interior Ministry blocks female majority on local authority boards: 'examining the issue of adequate representation for both sexes'