lecture by Irena Kalhousová
Israel is often portrayed as a modern democracy in which women enjoy a high degree of equality—they serve in the military, hold political office, and as early as 1969 the country had a female prime minister. This lecture argues, however, that this image is to a large extent a myth. Drawing on both historical analysis and contemporary developments, it demonstrates that the status of women in Israel is shaped by three key factors: the close relationship between the state and religion, the structure of the political system, and a security-oriented political culture. Together, these factors have long contributed to the persistence of gender inequalities.
The lecture will also examine developments in recent years, including the weakening of liberal democratic principles and the growing influence of religious and conservative political forces, both of which have had a direct impact on women's rights and status. Particular attention will be given to the consequences of the 7 October 2023 attacks and the subsequent war, which have further reinforced security discourse and traditional gender roles.
The lecture will be conducted in Czech.