The program for the empowerment of women places emphasis upon the new challenges which face women on their path towards fully realizing their rights. The program deals with clarifying issues that are connected to the various interpersonal and social relationships, couples and family relationships, the job market, the public-political arena and the community setting.This year an extensive cultural and social program was put together with the aid of Partnership 2000, which included visiting attractions such as mini-Israel, and staging cultural events such as: an area-wide women's evening at the Merhavim pool attended by about 200 women, a Purim party, an event at the Rishon Lezion winery commemorating International Women's Day, and more.

As part of the women's community activities, the women were offered a collage workshop and a workshop for learning about ceramics. The women who took part in this activity also enjoyed a lecture on topics related to strengthening their self-image and to beauty care.

Many of these women take an active part in an additional Partnership 2000 project which began this year, a project engaged in ethnic empowerment and the development of initiatives proposed by women from the region.

 In the framework of this project, lectures, day-long study and lecture programs and workshops were held this year by the leadership group, Women for the Promotion of Health. Twenty women participated in a five-day seminar in Herzliya, during which they acquired knowledge and professional tools for offering care and guidance on the subject of women's health and preventive care, as well as tools for generating awareness and personal and community responsibility on women's related issues.As part of this endeavor, a mobile unit for the early detection of breast cancer and diabetes performed examinations in the Merchavim Community Center Square.

Lectures and workshops were held on topics such as, home remedies, women's and family medicine, promotion and encouragement of dental care, alternative medicine, diet and proper nutrition. In monthly meetings, the women benefited from special workshops on topics such as, meditation, reflexology, humor and laughter.