From Tokenism to Meaningful Representation

Insights into the Experiences of Palestinian Arab Women in Local Politics in Israel

Abstract

This study explores Palestinian Arab women’s experiences in Israeli local politics, focusing on the challenges they face and the implications for their representation. Through interviews and analysis, the study uncovers a gap between the quantitative and qualitative representation of women in political positions. While there has been an increase in the number of women holding office, the qualitative evaluations reveal persistent barriers and inequalities. The women interviewed encountered obstacles such as gender biases, tokenism, and limited control over the electoral process, which hinder their full-fledged participation. The study results demonstrate the role of early community engagement in shaping women's political involvement, the challenges of balancing familial and political responsibilities, the importance of family support and the role of civil society organizations play in providing training and support for women candidates, filling a void left by political parties. The results also show that despite their passive role in the electoral process, the Palestinian Arab women local politicians exercise some degree of agency by seeking self-empowerment and support. Overall, the study results suggest the need for ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, empower women in decision-making processes, and bridge the gap between quantitative and qualitative representation.