Women's fair opens in Rahat

Social groups show support of Bedouin women in local Negev communities, join forces to launch unique women's fair as part small-business training program

23 March 2008

A new breeze is circling the Negev: The Rahat welfare department, along with the Shatil, Yedid and Desert Embroidery associations, have launched a new initiative amied at helping Bedouin women support themselves and their families.

The initiative's first endeavor begins Sunday, with a local fair in which the women will be able to sell hand-made products, such as jewelry, tapestry, home-made delights, etc.

The fair is meant to be one of the staples of a small-business training program given to the Bedouin community and especially its women.

"We want to help raise awareness, in both (Jewish and Bedouin) sectors, to the fact that there are strong women in this community, women who want – and are motivated – to grow; and who feel they don't have to rely on welfare or unemployment payments," Raidah Albador, of Yedid - the Association for Community Empowerment – told Ynet.

"These women need our help… In order for them to tap into their own power we need to give them the tools which will allow them to find their place in the workforce, or at least be able to open a business which will comply with their traditional views," she added.

Varda Alkerinowi, who coordinates the Bedouin women leadership program in Beersheba for Shatil - The New Israel Fund's Empowerment and Training Center for Social Change Organizations in Israel – agrees: "I believe that of these women take independent initiative, which would result in financial independence, they will be motivated to take charge of other aspects of their lives and be less passive."

Predicaments of progress
The new feminist manner enveloping Bedouin women and the obvious feminist angel of the fair did not, however, go over well with everyone, as an invisible hand set the local sewing workshop in the Bedouin village of Lakiya – a women owned and operated business – on fire, several weeks back.

"We don't mean to upset or offend anyone," said Alkerinowi. "The women create their projects at home, they do not break tradition and they do not venture outside the home.

"We are well aware of the difficulties, on the contrary – this is a true necessity… we want to see these woman empowered, active in other issues besides raising children. I believe it would strengthen their families, not weaken them."

The fair has everyone very excited: "This is the first time these women take center stage and they're very anxious and proud… I don't think anything like this has ever been done before," added Alkerinowi. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed and wish all of us the best of luck."

The women's fair will be held at the Rahat Community Center from Sunday, March 23, through Thursday, March 27.