Courtesy of Maariv Newspaper
A group of women from the Yokneam area participated in a course for economic empowerment. Together they have transformed their dreams into businesses, and overdrafts into profits.
By Dudu Bazak – Ma'ariv
The 28 women who began a course for economic empowerment seven months ago were frustrated with their economic and social situations, their places of work and mostly from the direction their lives were going. Some were single mothers who found it difficult to support their children, living on either government "guaranteed income" or unemployment benefits. Others had been fired from their jobs. With difficult pasts and big dreams, they joined the project. Today, just a few months later, they are running their own profitable businesses.
The course was initiated by the Economic Development Unit for Yokneam-Megido, headed by Anat Harel, with the ongoing professional guidance and accompaniment of the "Association for the Economic Empowerment of Women". The project was financed by the municipalities of Yokneam and Megido, and included 29 women of different ages and backgrounds, mostly single mothers, divorcees or widows from the Yokneam area, including surrounding kibbutzim and moshavim. They participated in workshops where they formulated business ideas, set their own personal goals, prepared business plans, learned how to run a business while dealing with financial bodies, became more professional in marketing and organization, and learned how to run a business while raising a family at the same time.
Anat Harel and Ayelet Irani from the Association for the Economic Empowerment of Women explain that the project sought out women who were either living on public assistance or out of work, because the goal was one: To sow within them the faith and courage to forge a new path and determine their own economic future. And indeed, during the course, these women gathered up their strength and courage and transformed their hobbies or heart's desires into successful business ventures. Most now proudly carry the title "independent businesswoman".
Ultra-Orthodox Couples Counselor
Ora Cohen, 53, from Moshav Elyakim: Divorced with 2 children
In the past, she worked on small bookkeeping jobs, but found it hard to make a living. She now has her own business, called "A Beam of Light", which helps counsel and solve marital problems for the general populace, and now – for the first time – for the ultra-Orthodox sector as well. "For years I did all kinds of odd jobs and felt so empty", she tells us. "I recently completed my M.A. in Psychology, and that combined with the workshop made me realize that I could help people solve their problems." Her private clinic is located on Elyakim, close to Yokneam. But since opening her business, she has to admit: "I can't keep up with the demand!"
Gourmet Cook
Aviv Regev, 48, from Kibbutz Dalya: Married with 2 children
Aviv once worked in an accountant's office, but was eventually fired, remaining unemployed. She has now opened her own business called "Aviv's Flavors", providing exclusive and gourmet catering for up to 50 people. "I had been frustrated for years working in accounting", she says. "Lucky for me, I was fired, so I joined the workshop. I've loved to cook all my life, and everyone always complimented me on the results. So I gathered up my strength and resources and opened my own business. It has been very successful, and I'll soon be opening a small restaurant on the kibbutz. This workshop gave me the power and the tools necessary to realize my dream: a private business combined with my love for food and cooking."
Jewelry Designer
Mazal Kedoshim, 45, from Yokneam: Married with 4 children
Mazal was once a special education teacher, but lost her job when her place of employment closed down. Today she owns and operates "Anji Designs" for designing jewelry, crystal and Kabbalistic symbols. "I was dismissed from the educational system five years ago, and since then have been working only six months each year in various educational activities in order to try and make ends meet. Since participating in this workshop, I took my hobby and G-d given talent and turned it into a livelihood. I create and people buy my work. No one can be happier than I!"