March 30, 2008

Women in Israel’s largest Bedouin town took their economic well being into their own hands by holding a crafts fair on March 23 during a Mother’s Day celebration in town.

Israel’s premier Internet news site, Ynet, reported: “Behind this event is a firm decision: To take their fate in their hands and to earn a living from the labor of their hands and not from government benefits.” The Sunday fair was the result of the economic empowerment work of several organizations and the women of Rahat.

The Ynet article quoted SHATIL’s Bedouin Women’s Leadership Project coordinator Warda ElKranawi: “I believe that if women will begin to initiate business ventures, it will bring about economic independence and they will be able to make progress and take responsibility for other areas of their lives. It will give them strength not to remain under the cover of their families and will bring about their personal well being so that they won’t feel passive and like they are not contributing... The women are excited. They’ve never been center stage before.”   

Among the handmade items for sale: jewelry, weaving and homemade Bedouin food.

Sultan Abu Abed, co-director of SHATIL Beer Sheva, was among the welcoming speakers. Organizers explained this was not a one-time event, but an exposure of women as producers of goods who can be turned to again and again.

The fair was sponsored by the Rahat Welfare Department, Yedid, Desert Princess and SHATIL. The day also included a lecture on the place of women in Islam.

Asked about the danger of such an event, given the fact that a Bedouin women’s embroidery cooperative was burned down several years ago, ElKranawi told Ynet: “The fair doesn’t threaten anyone. The women do the work at home and do not harm our tradition. We are aware of the difficulties, and don’t want to anger anyone. Right now, this is an economic necessity. What’s important is to see how strong and active the women are and not just in the eyes of their children. I believe this will strengthen the family unit.”