It's time to promote advancement of ultra-Orthodox working women

Key Findings:

The government's efforts to encourage Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men to enter the workforce raise an important question: what if incentives were offered for training to Haredi women instead? Traditionally, the role of women in ultra-Orthodox society was primarily focused on raising children, but with many Haredi men dedicating themselves to Torah study, women became the main breadwinners. 

Work for Haredi women is often seen as a necessity rather than a means of self-fulfillment or professional growth. While 83% of Haredi women are employed, their average hourly wage is lower compared to non-Orthodox Jewish women. A 2018 survey by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics indicated that these wage gaps significantly narrow for those who have attended academic programs. However, as of 2020, only 15% of Haredi women held academic degrees, compared to 28% of all Jewish women in the same age range. Despite this, many Haredi women express a desire to increase their salaries and those in high-quality positions are willing to take proactive measures to advance their careers.

Most women in ultra-Orthodox society are deeply committed to the roles they were educated to fulfill, both within the formal Haredi educational system and their communities, as wives and mothers. There is a conflict between the aspiration to progress in the labor market and the preservation of cherished values and sensitivities.

A hidden barrier may hinder the progress of Haredi women in the employment market, and they themselves may not be aware of it. This barrier persists even for those who have been in the workforce for several years. How can Haredi women pursue higher education and secure higher-quality employment without compromising their lifestyles? What measures could enable them to leverage advanced education for higher-level positions and salaries?

One possible contributing factor is the lack of an environment that encourages career advancement for Haredi women, even when it seems warranted. Government policies, primarily led by the ministries of finance, economy, and welfare, have primarily focused on promoting Haredi male employment due to their low employment rates. Consequently, resources and employment programs that aim to support Haredi employment do not extend sufficient assistance to Haredi women. As a result, women are often ineligible for influential management and leadership positions and the necessary training to compete for such roles.

Therefore, despite their considerable effort and dedication to the labor market, Haredim women are hindered from accessing higher-paying positions. The government's emphasis on encouraging Haredi employment has not adequately addressed the needs of Haredi women.

It may be time for a shift in government policy to address this imbalance and provide greater support and opportunities for Haredi women in education and employment.