Inspiring Jewish women you should know about

International Women’s Day (IWD), marked annually on March 8, is a global day of celebration for the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls.

Each year, International Women’s Day is given a theme by organizers, which often relates to contemporary events, trends and struggles. This year the focus is on ‘breaking the bias,’ as explained on the official IWD website:

“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”

Here at Unpacked, we believe one of the first steps towards ‘breaking the bias’ is education. Within our Jewish community specifically, one way to honor IWD is learning about the diversity of perspectives and experiences among us.

Here are some of the inspiring Jewish women we have profiled.

Shobha (“Fori”) Nehru

Women of the Refuseniks

Vital Zinger

Chavie Lieber

Women of Zionism

Noam Shuster-Eliassi

Sivan Rahav Meir

Chloe Valdary

Golda Meir

Women of the Israeli Defence Forces

Sarah Hurwitz

Bonus: Nice Jewish Girls Podcast

Unpacked’s ‘Nice Jewish Girls’ podcast is not about Nice Jewish Girls

“It’s about Jewish girls who are so much more than nice. It’s about journalists and authors, speechwriters and senators, prime ministers and rock stars. This podcast will redefine the way we see Jewish women—not as Jewish American Princesses, not as nags or klutzes, not as bossy or loud. As strong, as smart, as fearless. As Esthers, as Rachels, as Miriams. Every week, host Julia Jassey will be speaking to Jewish women who are breaking new ground and changing history.”