The 5050 Initiative: Vision
The 5050 Initiative promotes a vision of 50% women in all
policy-making centers in Israel, including
The national government, local authorities, public company boards,
and more.
Once we achieve 50% women in the Knesset, the initiative will
conclude. It’s possible!
International examples like Mexico (2021) and New Zealand (2022)
show that this vision is achievable.
Background
The initiative was founded in 2022 out of concern over the declining number of
women in decision-making positions in Israel. Despite significant feminist
achievements, women currently comprise only about 13% of the government, 6% of
city mayors, and 25% of Knesset members. The initiative seeks to promote
structural and systemic change through gender balance, believing that gender
equality is a democratic value that benefits the entire population.
After the crisis of October 7th and the ongoing war in Israel, it has become
even more evident that women are needed in policy-making roles to manage
complex crises and make decisions with a broad perspective that better
represents the Israeli public.
Activities and Achievements (2022–2024)
2022–2023: Local Authority Elections
In 2023, the initiative worked to ensure equal representation in
local elections. Dozens of active groups were formed in 60 cities,
aiming to encourage party leaders to create "zipper lists"
(alternating men and women in realistic positions) and to
motivate the public to vote only for balanced lists. The election
results were impressive: 20 councils achieved 50% women and
men, there was an increase in the number of female council
members nationwide, and gender equality was placed on the
municipal agenda.
2022–2024: Municipal and National Activities
Following the elections and initial successes, the initiative continues to operate on a
municipal level with a program to implement gender equality in every municipality.
Simultaneously, the project for the next national elections has begun, with the goal of
50% women in all political parties. While this is a long-term vision spanning
approximately 20 years, it needs to start now.
Additionally, there are smaller projects such as:
- 5050 in Media – ensuring that news panels include 50% women.
- 5050 in Sports – raising awareness of gender balance in sports, inspired by the
Paris 2024 Olympics, the first-ever 50/50 Olympics.
Theory of Change
A clear vision: 5050. Not "adequate representation" or "quotas
for women" – but 50/50. We will consistently and clearly convey
this message across various platforms so that when 50/50 is
not achieved, it becomes evident and change is demanded.
- Bottom-up approach: Engaging target audiences such as
party leaders, Knesset members, and activists. 5050 groups
within each party will pressure public officials to ensure
gender equality. - Top-down influence: Drafting legislative proposals to
promote gender equality, to be advanced with the next
government.
Funding the Initiative
In January 2022, Yael Yechieli, the initiative's founder, raised ILS 530,000 from 3,328
supporters (40% men). This funding enabled the initiative’s establishment and
operation starting in January 2023, including salaries for two additional employees
who worked alongside numerous activists at the municipal level.
Following the success of the pilot year, we have launched a campaign to raise one
million shekels to expand the initiative ahead of the next national election.
The 5050 Initiative operates under the framework of the Tzedek Centers NGO, thus
saving significant overhead. All donations are tax-deductible under Section 46a.
Yael Yechieli – Founder of 5050
After decades of social engagement, Jerusalem-based feminist
activist Yael Yechieli founded the 5050 Initiative in November
2022, the day after Israel’s fifth consecutive Knesset elections, with
a vision of 50% representation in all decision-making centers.
The goal is for half of the next government and Knesset to be
women.
Yael Yechieli lectures on social activism, gender equality, and
democracy.