Interview with Esther Peron, deputy mayor and in charge of education in Bat-Yam

Following the success of "Cracking the Glass Ceiling" (Sodkot), this year "Kol Israel Haverim-Alliance" (KIAH) was asked to implement the program in a municipal model. This is under the belief that municipal involvement will strengthen the program and reach a wider audience, thus expanding its influence both among young women and the city education.
Working in cooperation with the municipality, the program was run this year in all the high schools in Bat-Yam. To mark the first "complete" year in the city, we asked deputy mayor Ms. Esther Peron five questions. Ms. Peron, herself a graduate of the KIAH school network, has been working with the program since it took its first steps in Bat-Yam:

1. Bat-Yam has a reputation of a city that invests a lot in education. Why "Sodkot"?

I think the program answers a true need and promotes young women – this is something we are very involved with in Bat-Yam.

2. What is the meaning of working in a municipal model, rather than just one or two schools?

The indication of educational success is always at municipal level, and therefore, the work should also be municipal. We try to make sure that all the topics we deal with and the projects we bring into our schools will be a municipal level.

3. So the "Sodkot" girls have conquered Bat-Yam. What next? Where else can we go with them?

First we must achieve our primary objective – that the first girls participating matriculate with a scientific major. Afterwards, I believe that the city will be very glad to continue working with the young women on the scientific path.

4. At the beginning of the year you personally and the city hosted the first "Sodkot Quiz" event, where young women from across the country competed in science and maths competitions. What impressed you the most about the girls?

The atmosphere in the hall was like at the "A Star is Born" television hit show. It proved to me that it is possible to arouse interest and excitement even in "serious subjects" such as Science and Maths.

5. Any advice for the "Sodkot" girls?

Persevere, believe, invest and the success is guaranteed.

"Cracking the Glass Ceiling" is a unique program designed to promote young women from impoverished areas to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), fields that are traditionally considered more appropriate for men. The program provides the participants with the tools to reach a quality matriculation that will open doors to a variety of options in the future. This is achieved through empowerment, role-modeling and scholastic assistance as well as strengthening he teaching staff. 

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