Our Story
Empowering Ethiopian Women community comprises 18,000 women from all over Israel
The journey of Empowering Ethiopian Women began in 2017 as a digital platform that brought together women from the Ethiopian community to foster dialogue centered on growth and partnership. In 2020, it was established as a nonprofit organization dedicated to advance Israeli women of Ethiopian descent through higher education, career development, emotional resilience, and a supportive community. The organization was founded by Racheli Tedesa-Melkaye, an educator and community leader, in response to the need for a space where women from the Ethiopian community could access real opportunities, visibility, and belonging. Today, the organization is one of Israel’s largest women’s communities, leading meaningful social change nationwide. Our community includes approximately 18,000 women working together in solidarity, partnership, and with a shared commitment to growth.
Offering Assistance to Women Coping
Training and Business Development Support
Supporting Academic Studies
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We work to increase the representation of women from the Ethiopian community in key positions across Israeli society, strengthen their personal and economic resilience, and build an equal, strong, and proud community.
By empowering women in our community, we strengthen our identity and take pride in our roots.
Our Mission & Values
To integrate women from the Ethiopian community into key positions in Israeli society, improving their status in order to strengthen the community, promote economic resilience, and support social cohesion and equality. This includes empowerment, identity building, and reinforcing the cultural roots of Ethiopian-Israeli women.
Community Life
Mutual Support and Growth
Empowering Women
Through Higher Education
Honoring Our Tradition
Empowering Women
Meet the team
Hagit Nagosa
Head of Higher Education
Adina Adena
Workshops and Community Manager
Orly Tasma
Programs and Partnerships Manager
Racheli Tadessa Malkai
Founder & Director
Racheli Tadessa Malkai
Founder & Director
Orly Tasma
Programs and Partnerships Manager
Adina Adena
Workshops and Community Manager
Hagit Nagosa
Head of Higher Education
Board of Directors
Sivan Taganya
Chairperson of the Organization
Danny Limor
Board member and Retiree of "the Mossad"
Ruthy Amara
Board Member
Yossi Haimov
External Internal Auditor
Michal Tamayet
Board member and Kess’s wife
Real stories
of change
Tekuye Melesse
Married, mother of two, resident of Rehovot. "I always dreamed of being independent — without a boss over my head — and of building financial freedom. The community gave me tremendous exposure to new clients, client recommendations, and an excellent platform to promote and market my business. The beginning of my career was incredibly difficult — in ways I can hardly put into words. I lacked confidence, didn’t know how to attract clients, and wasn’t profitable — mostly just expenses. There were days when I broke down and wanted to give up, but my desire to succeed was stronger. I read books about success and was fortunate to be surrounded by an encouraging, educational environment that strengthened me both mentally and emotionally. Along the way, I realized that my true calling was in cosmetology. I’ve always enjoyed meeting people and loved the personal connection of giving facial treatments, so I decided to study the field and grow within it. Today, it’s history — I own a clinic in Rehovot with three employees, and I’m planning many more innovations and surprises ahead."
Smadar Ayano
31 years old, resident of Ashkelon. "My dream is to work in education and therapy, driven by a desire to understand people and support them. I entered this field to help others and discovered that I was growing and truly connected to it, which led me to pursue it professionally. After nearly giving up on finding financial support, I reached out to Nashim Me’atzmot. With their guidance, I received a scholarship beyond my expectations. Today, I am completing my first year in Behavioral Sciences at Peres Academic Center, while managing a youth center for boys and girls in Ramla."
China Melesse
31 years old, resident of Ashkelon. "It was very important to me to earn an academic degree. When I explored what to study in order to check off ‘an academic degree’ on my list of small achievements, criminology suited me in terms of study days, hours, and admission requirements. I was pleasantly surprised by how fascinating the degree turned out to be. My biggest concern, like any student, was how to manage financially. Thanks to Nashim Me’atzmot (Empowering Women), I was able to begin my studies with confidence, without the initial pressure and panic. Last year, the incredible Rachel Malkai was chosen as Hero of the Year by Mifal HaPais. They selected five women who began their academic studies and awarded them a scholarship on behalf of the Nashim Me’atzmot association. I was one of the women chosen — something I truly do not take for granted. Today, I am approaching my second year of studies. At the same time, I began working with at-risk youth — a whole world in itself. For me, the sky is the limit."
Dr. Eti Gomen
Married and mother of two. "From a young age, I was interested in the field of medicine and knew it was important for me to choose a therapeutic profession. The Ethiopian Women Empowerment Association supported me by funding my specialization studies in oral rehabilitation, at a cost of 25,000 NIS."
Tamar Elbon
36 years old, married, mother of two, from Ashkelon. "After fulfilling a few childhood dreams, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with one of my deepest passions: home cooking, especially Ethiopian cuisine.I started my business with the goal of sharing the powerful story of the Beta Israel community and its core values through Ethiopian food. These values are reflected in the way we prepare, present, and enjoy our meals.Empowering Women offered a mentorship program that included English lessons with an American mentor. I applied, was accepted, and was paired with Laura, who turned out to be the perfect fit. I already spoke some English but needed more confidence to communicate freely. Our sessions focused on language skills and also explored my business and cooking workshops. It was a meaningful, uplifting, and enjoyable experience for both of us.As a result, I led my first online cooking workshop in English, called 'Injera in a Jiffy,' for an American audience. It was a full one-hour session entirely in English. The experience gave me new inspiration and boosted my confidence. I even started listening to podcasts in English.Today, I am continuing to grow both personally and professionally, with new projects on the way, some of which are in English."
Sarit Melesse
37 years old, married, mother of four, from Ashkelon. "My dream was to study Human Resources because I’ve always loved the world of management, especially working with and for people. For me, the Empowering Women organization is a support system that helps Ethiopian-Israeli women move forward. The organization assists in many ways. Personally, I received close guidance and help in obtaining a scholarship for my Bachelor's degree.Racheli Malachi, who leads the organization, supported me throughout the entire process and was always there to answer any question, at any time. I’m deeply grateful to the organization, and especially to Racheli, an incredible woman who gives so much to others without expecting anything in return. Thanks to you, I can now begin my studies with peace of mind."