Empowerment of Women and Girls

For the Advancement of Women in Israel

From its establishment in 1920, WIZO has been committed, as an International Zionist Women's Organization, to advancing the status of women in Israel - in all spheres of life

Empowerment of Women and Girls

Within every woman lies the potential and the strength to undertake a journey of personal empowerment. The progression is built in such a way that each woman can decide where and how much she wants to move forward.

‘Women in flight’

A project in stages, the purpose of which is to design and influence the participants through converting them, by the end of the process, to givers not takers. The project consists of three stages.

a. Initial Empowerment: The first stage in the process, aimed at personal development and growth: changing self image, strengthening the ego, and learning the tools to cope within the frameworks of family, work and growing children.
b. Empowerment: This is the continuation stage in the process of personal learning and development. It is for women who have the potential for change and growth, with motivation and commitment. It aims at helping the women to use their natural skills to launch them, personally and socially. The meetings focus upon developing awareness and personal aptitude, self searching and improving organizational qualities. During the process there is emphasis placed on increasing awareness of volunteerism.
c. Momentum (Tnufa): The advanced stage in preparing the women for involvement and volunteerism in WIZO and within the community, as representatives of WIZO. The meetings deal with getting to know that important figures in the community in which they will volunteer, mapping out the area, recognizing and finding the needs therein, defining operative purposes and goals for volunteer work.

Training Course for Coordinators-Tahal

For coordinators of volunteer groups and welfare projects from around the country. The course provides them with the tools and the content for group activities, including planning and drawing up projects.

Therapy for Multi Problem Families (A Woman to Woman project)

A WIZO volunteer is attached to the family who is given weekly guidance by a professional. The volunteers are a source of support for the families and help them to cope with their day to day difficulties.

One Parent Families

WIZO helps one parent families to leave the cycle of dependence and to exist independently by providing them with the tools to improve their situation, to learn a profession and to merge into society. Activities include:

a. Centers for One Parent Families: 24 centres operate in WIZO branches in conjunction with local welfare authorities, throughout Israel. The meetings are led by professionals and include: support groups, workshops on various subjects, activities for parents and children, social gatherings, leadership development, ‘preparation for work’ courses, business initiatives, etc.
b. Support Groups: The project includes 14 groups and is run by volunteers of the branch who locate the families, build up a suitable programme and give support under the guidance of a professional.
c. Day Seminars for Widows: The aim is to expose the women to WIZO’s activities so that they can benefit from the services available in the branches.

Girls Clubs

Girls clubs are designed for adolescent girls in distress from the ages of 13-18, who have been referred by the welfare services. The activities aim to provide a social, education, based on values that will enable the girls to cope with their difficulties by building up their self image.

Warm Homes

Warm Homes are designed for 14-18 year old girls who suffer from emotional neglect, a damaged self image, and who are likely to fall into crime, and to be thrown out of normative frameworks. In the Warm Homes the girls receive a hot meal, therapy, emotional support, learning and social assistance.

Young Power (Otzma Tzeira)

An empowerment program for adolescent girls who are in distress and at risk, and do not have any support from the welfare authorities. It is for girls aged from 13-15 who are on the brink of deterioration. The program includes content regarding self image, empowerment, couples, family, the prevention of violence, etc.

IDF Project – Pre Army Vocational Training (Kadatz)

Designed for adolescent girls who do not meet the criteria of the Israel Defense Forces for enlistment and have been exempted from military service. It is a joint project of WIZO, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, Trade and Industry, and the IDF.

During the one year course the girls receive basic schooling and vocational training, with the aim of providing them with the opportunity to serve in the army, learn a trade, work ethics, personal and social responsibility. A social worker and WIZO volunteers work with every Kadatz group, providing therapy and enrichment.

Mentoring Project

A study program which is designed for older girls who have successfully left a state of distress and intend to serve as role models for younger girls at risk. The aim of the project is to change the roles of these girls from being ‘girls in need’ to being ‘girls in deed’ – Mentors, by way of a special educational programme. The project is jointly operated with Tel Aviv University, the Ministry of Welfare and Ashalim.