In the year leading up to the 2024 municipal elections, we set out on an ambitious journey: to make 5050 the norm in local authorities across Israel.
* We established 50 local activist groups in cities, towns, and regional councils across the country—activists who became ambassadors for change in their communities.
* We applied targeted public pressure: the groups attended house meetings and party events, met with representatives of the competing slates, and called on residents to demand 5050 “zipper” lists (alternating male/female candidates.
* We organized a national 5050 Mayors’ Conference - a gathering that raised awareness of equitable leadership and demonstrated that it is already a reality in many places across the country.
In the week before the elections, we launched a website that compiled all the candidate lists that chose to adopt 5050 “zipper” representation, organized by city - allowing anyone to check which lists in their city were gender-equal.
* On election day, tens of thousands of people visited the site we created, which provided information on gender equality across party lists nationwide.
* In some cities, “5050 zipper” became the talk of the day.
Impact
- A historic improvement!
* From 2 to 21 municipalities with 5050 representation - a dramatic leap in the number of city councils with gender parity.
* 60 municipalities saw an increase in the number of women serving on city councils
* Hundreds of party lists presented 50/50 zipper slates Gender equality rose to the top of the public agenda and became a central issue in local - and broader -political discourse.
* Unprecedented civic engagement - residents took action and demanded 5050 zipper representation
Nationwide reach - activities by the 5050 Partnership extended to all corners of the country.
In none of the councils that are 5050 today did this happen on its own.
When there is 5050 representation in a council:
* There is an increase in public budgets allocated to advancing equality in the city.
* Work plans promote gender equality
There is a significant decline in confrontational discourse and verbal aggression in council meetings.
* Reduced reliance on aggression as a problem-solving tool.
* In many cases, the mayor becomes committed to advancing gender equality.
* The message of gender equality is reflected in the municipality’s work plans.
