November Edition 2020

14 COVID having a huge impact on women No matter the country, early surveys suggest that women’s careers are going to be more affected by the COVID pandemic. A recent U.S. report (McKinsey/ Lean In) discovered that 1 out of 4 women in corporate America are thinking of downsizing their position, as a result of COVID. In Israel, during March of 2020, 58% of the new unemployed workers were women, compared to 42% of men [according to Women And COVID-19: The Impact of Crises on Gender Equality - English Summary of IWN Report, April 2020 ]. "The government needs to be more proactive in this area, especially as the Coronavirus pandemic is a huge setback for women. They can often be the first to let go, the first to be put on leave and with the education system not functioning normally at the moment, they are often required to stay at home with the children," say s Noa Meidan, H ead of Energy and Infrastructure at Israel’s Tadmor Levy & Co. “During the UK’s coronavirus lockdown, surveys have shown that women spent more than twice as much time as men on their children’s home schooling and development,” says Coleman. “Whilst more flexible working is welcomed, there are long term effects of working from home for long periods including the ability to get facetime with decision makers and new work opportunities. A recent survey found that women are 12 times more likely than men to be interrupted on zoom calls,” she adds. "COVID-19 is a chance also for women to progress, work from home and show themselves to be effective, but it requires support and better pay to get the assistance needed with responsibilities at home. This is a mind and a cultural change," states ADAMA’s Arlosoroff. As Governments step up to the plate to deal with the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, their commitment and initiatives to diversity and greater female representation in business and law must not be lost. With the new Supreme Court appointment looming in Israel next year, the country has the chance to set an example for law, business, and the wider world.