In honor of International Women's Day: Empowering Ethiopian Women in Haifa

• Published date: 25 March 2024
• Author: DANIEL KEY
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

This event marked the launch of the Maatizimot (Empowering) group's activities in Haifa, led by the women of the Shagrirot (Ambassadors) program. The goal is to connect between national and local communities and create opportunities and connections for Israeli women of Ethiopian descent. Over 100 Ethiopian women from across the country attended the event

The Shagrirot program of the Haifa-Boston Connection (CJP) is a group of women born out of a program developed by the HBC. The program is unique and innovative for Ethiopian-Israeli women in Haifa and surrounding areas who want to lead social change among the Ethiopian community in Haifa and beyond. The Ambassadors work to understand the needs of the community, provide services, conduct workshops and meaningful events, connect organizations and youth groups, and more, all through volunteering and belief that social change comes from collective social action. Women from different fields, ages, and neighborhoods in Haifa have come together to promote the Ethiopian community in Haifa.

The Shagrirot work in three areas: community entrepreneurship, modeling for the younger generation, and networking groups for personal development.

As part of the program, Shagrirot have collaborated with the Haifa Municipality and other organizations in the city, participating in events that brought the story of the Ethiopian community in Haifa to the forefront, including: the Haifa Story Festival, Walkom, Embroidered Memory Evening, and more. Additionally, they've held meetings with youth groups at youth centers and schools, arranged a solidarity activity, serving traditional Ethiopian dishes at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, organized a support group for older women from the Ethiopian community, and even created empowerment inspiration cards.

Nani Brook, a member of the Shagrirot and a well-known social activist in Haifa, said: "In Haifa, the Ethiopian community is divided into 3 main neighborhoods. Our goal as Shagrirot is to connect and bridge between the neighborhoods so that we act together in a shared space, not just in our own neighborhood. Hence the clear connection to the Empowering Women group - we are delighted that they came up north to participate in a significant and empowering event."

Rina Blizhenski, a member of the Shagrirot, a lawyer by profession, and a legal advocate, said excitedly in her speech: "From our perspective, looking at the hall full of women of different ages and occupations fills our hearts...