Women of Valor

Five years inside the movement to open up Israel’s ultra-orthodox political parties for women. Activists Esty Shushan and Estee Rieder Indurski have a wonderful chemistry between them while they tirelessly confront misogyny and ignorance. Inspiring account of an uphill battle.

There are 600.000 Haredi (‘ultra-orthodox’) women living in Israel. They can vote, but they are prohibited from being elected. Esty Shushan is the founder of Nivcharot, Israel’s only Haredi feminist organisation. What began as a Facebook group called ‘No Voice – No Vote!’ has become a force to be reckoned with in ultra-orthodox circles.

In Women of Valor we follow the campaigns of Shushan and her fellow activist Estee Rieder Indurski. From the halls of the Supreme Court to the parliament they meet hostile and condescending opposition from conservative men. At the UN Committee for Women’s Rights in Geneva, they try to involve the United Nations in their struggle. All the while, the two women’s chemistry is fascinating to witness, both when they passionately work together and when they discuss their differences in tactics and personality. An impressive portrait of strong women fighting for their right to be heard.