/ cfd projects in Israel

In Israel, cfd works with Palestinian and Bedouin womens organisations which improve womens access to resources by their programs for education and jobs. Together with other non-government organisations, they fight discrimination and violence based on a persons race, on whether they are a man or a woman and on social structures and they also work for womens greater freedom to be active in social and political life.

Full civil rights

Nearly one person of every five in Israel is a Palestinian. They are Israeli citizens, but they are discriminated against economically, in society and in the law because of their race. They are limited in their chances of finding work and taking part in politics. Schools, medical services and other services in Palestinian villages and areas get little public money and so are in a poor condition. Two Palestinian uprisings (Intifada) and the Israeli economic crisis have made discrimination worse. Israeli civil rights organisations say the government is putting democracy in danger through their policies of discrimination.

Recognition of Bedouins

Since the beginning of the state of Israel, Bedouins have been forced to stay in one place, because their way of living has been made illegal. Today, about half of the 120,000 Bedouins in the Negev Desert live in villages that are not recognized by the Israeli government and the Bedouins are in danger of having to leave. These villages of tin shacks and tents are far apart and often have no electricity or water and drainage. There is no medical care or schools. The people there ask the government for the services that they should have because they are Israeli citizens. To get these services from the Israeli government, however, they must give up their way of life and move to satellite cities built only for Bedouins. This would destroy their family structures and they would have no work or chances for development.

Palestinian Women Israelis for Womens Rights

Palestinian and Bedouin women are fighting in their communities for equal rights. They want women to have better access to education, jobs and taking part in politics. These women have to fight for what they want. Conservative and traditional Palestinians limit womens freedom of movement and rights and say that there are political, economic and social problems because women are getting more independence. cfd's partner organisations have helped Arab womens organisations work together in what they say and do in public. Together they campaign in the whole country for the needs of Palestinian women and use the Israeli legal system to fight discrimination and violence in their own community.

cfd's partner organisations

Kayan: Empowerment of Palestinian women, feminist activities and policies, support of womens groups in the Palestinian villages in northern Israel, showing authorities and educational institutions where there is discrimination against women.

Sidreh: Jobs and education for Bedouin women in the Negev Desert; a weaving project to help them earn money; educational and reading/writing programs for women; training of women who can then teach others in their communities.