/ Sidreh – Jobs and Education for Bedouin Women in the Negev Desert
When the Bedouins had to move to the satellite cities and it was then illegal for them to live and work in the villages that Israel did not recognize, they lost their traditional way of life and were also no longer able to earn money in their usual kind of work. Most women over 25 have never gone to school. Today, many girls leave school early, because the education offered is not good enough or the schools are too far away. The Bedouin women’s organization Sidreh is mainly interested in education, help in earning money and stopping violence. This will increase Bedouin women’s freedom to do things.
Help in earning money
The main part of Sidreh’s activities is the Weaving Project. It is doing well because Sidreh carefully supports and develops local handcrafts. The project helps women in the Negev to earn money where they live. “Cash in hand” is what the women want; they raise sheep, produce wool, color it and weave it and get cash for the things they make for Sidreh. In this way they can use the money they have earned as they wish.
Courses in language and mathematics
In the widely separated villages that Israel does not recognize, Sidreh gives courses for women in reading and writing. They teach Arabic, Hebrew and mathematics. Through their new knowledge, the women also find some independence. Knowledge of Hebrew is very important to them, because they can then understand the news in the newspapers and on television, help their children with their schoolwork and they no longer need an interpreter when they have to go to Government offices or to doctors.
Empowerment groups
Young women in the Negev have an uncertain future. They get more knowledge and strengthen their self-assurance in the empowerment groups. Together they develop plans and projects to make their situation better. For example, one empowerment group started a women’s club and got a mobile home so that women have a place where they can read or do homework undisturbed or where there can be courses and other activities.
Preventing violence
Young women and girls need a place where they can ask questions and talk about sexuality and violence. Sidreh, together with local schools and women’s organizations in northern Israel, has started a program to stop violence: Schoolgirls learn about sexuality and their bodies and in workshops talk about their fears and experiences. They are also given the confidence to take their needs seriously and to say what they want. Teachers and social workers learn how to recognize violent relationships and what to do about them. The program is now also being adapted for use in boys’ schools.
