Jan 2, 2013

Women's Amutot Initiative Grants Aim to Empower Israeli Women

Nineteen Israeli nonprofit organizations that empower women to improve Israeli society were recently awarded grants from the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, through Federation's Women’s Amutot (nonprofit) Initiative.

Established in 2003, the Women’s Amutot Initiative focuses on the needs and welfare of women and girls in Israel. Each year, grants are awarded which help provide programs and services that empower women to improve Israeli society through social, economic, religious and political equality.

“This year, the place of women in the public sphere has been a hot topic in Israel; the committee was charged with ensuring that women’s voices are heard and that opportunities that empower women are created,” Women’s Amutot Initiative Committee Chair Marsha Soffer said.

The Women’s Amutot Initiative Committee is a forum where members gain a better understanding of the issues affecting women in Israel and have a say in how funding decisions are made in a particular area. This year, the Women’s Amutot Initiative Committee carefully selected 19 projects that support its mission. Those projects and their sponsoring organizations can be found here. In total, $275,500 in grants were allocated through the Initiative.

The Committee also collaborated with 16 Jewish women’s funds in the U.S. and Israel to fund a new partnership of seven women’s organizations in Israel. “Shutafot: Women’s Organizations for Gender Justice and Economic and Employment Equality,” was established in response to the increasing instances of discrimination against and exclusion of women from public discussion and decisions in Israel. Through public awareness activities, lobbying and advocacy efforts, Shutafot will promote equality and reduce gender gaps in Israel’s economic, social and occupational spheres.

“The coalition is a phenomenal collaboration of Jewish Women. Working with the Israeli Lions of Judah, The Hadassah Foundation and NCJW, along with other groups in the U.S., for the second year, this coalition will continue to elevate women’s voices,” Hedy Whitebook, Israel and Overseas Chair, said. “Their perspectives will matter in policy debates throughout Israel and their interests will be taken into account when policies are set.”

For more information on the Women’s Amutot Initiative, click here, email [email protected] or call 786.866.8445.