Main Areas of Activity
Each year, over 200 women reach out to us for academic guidance and support. Some are after army or national service, while others are in their 30s and 40s still searching for the right academic path. Many struggle to take the first step toward a degree or professional course that fits their strengths, feeling overwhelmed by the many options.
Often, the hesitation comes from self-doubt and concern over the personal and financial challenges of higher education. Since the founding of Empowering Ethiopian Women, we have seen a clear rise in academic interest and a growing number of women pursuing degrees and professional studies.
Education
The organization focuses on women’s employment needs and offers support through assessment, guidance, and referrals to higher education, professional training, and empowerment. It provides tailored support to overcome barriers such as fear of entering male-dominated fields or the need for nearby jobs that allow mothers to balance work and childcare.
Since its founding, the organization has run several programs, including a mentoring program with Microsoft launched in June 2022 to help computer science students enter high-tech. Other examples include a Beginner English course to boost confidence in speaking English for work and academics, and a Salesforce course for women, many of them single mothers, seeking a career change without a tech background.
All programs include mentoring and job placement support.
Employment
The Empowering Ethiopian Women community places a strong focus on business development and entrepreneurship among women, promoting financial independence and personal fulfillment. Thanks to the collaboration among women in the community, who support, advise, and use each other’s services, over 300 private businesses have been successfully launched.
As part of advancing women in business, the organization, in partnership with Maof, offered a tailored entrepreneurship course. We continue to highlight women-led businesses by hosting monthly webinars on various topics, led by women from the community. In addition, every Tuesday is dedicated to promoting and marketing their businesses.
Business Development
Our Facebook community now includes over 17,500 members. In this vibrant and active group, a wide range of activities are held to support and empower women. These include professional webinars, live sessions, weekly Torah portions, financial support, anonymous advice, local discussion circles in various cities, and social events. One of the highlights was a special recognition ceremony honoring Ethiopian-Israeli women on International Women’s Day.
Community Development
Empowerment activities in our community
Launch of the “Northern Community” themed around Women’s Day, Empowering Women, in partnership with Boston Haifa.
On March 8, the Empowering Women launch event was held in partnership with Boston Haifa to mark International Women’s Day. Women from Haifa and the Krayot had long asked us to come north, and we finally did.
The event welcomed over 150 inspiring women from across the country, mainly from the north.
The evening was hosted by Hana Reuven, a personal development coach, and Esther Oka, a stand-up comedian and online personality, both full of empowerment and exceptional humor.
Given the security situation in the north, Empowering Ethiopian Women is working on resilience programs, emergency support, strength-building workshops, empowerment sessions, and leadership training to help women prepare for any scenario.