Women's Party of Israel: A History of Feminist Political Ambition
The pursuit of gender equality in the political sphere often begins with bold, independent movements. In Israel, this drive manifested in the creation of the Women's Party, a political entity established to give a direct voice to feminist concerns within the Knesset, the national legislature of Israel.
The Origins and Founding
The party was established prior to the 1977 elections. Its foundation was driven by Marcia Freedman, an Israeli-American activist and politician. Freedman brought significant legislative experience to the venture, having previously served as a Member of Knesset (MK) for Ratz during the eighth Knesset.
Freedman's path to founding the Women's Party involved a series of political shifts. She had previously broken away from Ratz alongside Aryeh Eliav to form the Independent Socialist Faction (ISP). While the ISP eventually merged with other small left-wing groups—including Moked, Meri, and members of the Black Panthers—to create the Left Camp of Israel, Freedman chose a different trajectory. She opted to establish a dedicated feminist party to contest the elections independently.
Electoral Performance and Challenges
Despite the passion behind its founding, the party struggled to gain widespread electoral traction. In the 1977 elections, the Women's Party secured 5,674 votes. However, this total was insufficient to cross the electoral threshold—the minimum percentage of the total vote required for a party to gain representation in the Knesset—which was set at 1% at the time. Consequently, the party disappeared from the political landscape following this defeat.
The party attempted a return in the 1992 Knesset elections, but the results were even more modest. In that cycle, the Women's Party received 2,886 votes, representing approximately 0.1% of the total vote.
Legacy and Transition to Social Work
Following the party's initial failure to enter the Knesset, Marcia Freedman shifted her focus from electoral politics to charitable and community support. In 1979, she helped found Kol HaIsha (Voice of the Woman), a women's center dedicated to providing support and resources for women. Freedman eventually returned to the United States in 1981.
Key Facts
- Founder: Marcia Freedman, an Israeli-American former MK.
- Established: Prior to the 1977 elections.
- 1977 Result: 5,674 votes (failed to meet the 1% threshold).
- 1992 Result: 2,886 votes (0.1%).
- Related Organizations: Independent Socialist Faction (ISP) and Kol HaIsha.
| Election Year | Votes Received | Percentage/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 5,674 | Below 1% threshold |
| 1992 | 2,886 | 0.1% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Women's Party?
The party was founded by Marcia Freedman, an Israeli-American who had previously served as a Member of Knesset for Ratz.
Why did the party fail to enter the Knesset in 1977?
Although the party received 5,674 votes, it failed to reach the 1% electoral threshold required to secure seats in the legislature.
What was the Independent Socialist Faction (ISP)?
The ISP was a political group formed by Marcia Freedman and Aryeh Eliav after they broke away from Ratz.
What is Kol HaIsha?
Kol HaIsha (Voice of the Woman) is a women's center founded in 1979 with the help of Marcia Freedman after the party's initial electoral failure.
How did the party perform in the 1992 elections?
The party received 2,886 votes, which accounted for 0.1% of the total vote.