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Though obviously overshadowed by the hostilities currently engulfing our region and the disruption of normal – or is it the “new normal” – life here in Israel, that March 8 was recognized to be International Women’s Day should not be overlooked. And while the achievements of women are being honored throughout the world, the 2026 theme – Give To Gain – acknowledges that there still remains much discrimination and bias, and encourages action that focuses on challenging and eliminating them.

Boomers like me undoubtedly remember the time when what today would be regarded as politically incorrect, sexist and chauvinist stereotypes defined our generation. Women, then, were secretaries and receptionists while men were the executives and managers. It was, in other words, understood and accepted that women nursed while men doctored, women distributed snacks and meals to airline passengers while men did the piloting and navigating, and women washed the uniforms that men wore when they went to war.

Things, I think it’s fair to say, have changed.

Gender-specific roles and occupations throughout most of the world are no longer the norm. It’s been a while since I reviewed help-wanted ads, but I suspect the standard, legally required disclaimer specifying that the position being recruited for is available for both men and women no longer appears, or at least does not have to; society has reached a point where gender nondiscrimination has become a given.

Whenever I see a woman driving a bus or........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)