Ahoti – for Women in Israel facts for kids
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| Formation | 2000 |
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| Founder | Vicki Shiran, Shula Keshet, Henriette Dahan Kalev, Neta Amar, et al |
| Founded at | Tel Aviv |
| Type | Mizrahi feminist & social justice |
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Executive Director
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Shula Keshet |
| Website | Achoti.com |
Ahoti – for Women in Israel (in Hebrew: אחותי – למען נשים בישראל) is a social movement. It is based on the ideas of Mizrahi feminism. This group works to make things fairer for women in Israel. They focus on economic, social, and cultural justice. They also help women from lower-income families feel stronger and more connected.
Contents
What is Ahoti?
Ahoti means "My Sister" in Hebrew. This group was started in 2000 by Mizrahi feminist activists. Mizrahi women are Jews who came from Middle Eastern and North African countries.
Why Ahoti Was Started
Ahoti was created because many felt that other women's groups in Israel mainly focused on issues important to Ashkenazi women. Ashkenazi women are Jews from European countries. These groups often focused on things like equal pay for high-level jobs. Ahoti believed that while these issues were important, they didn't cover everyone. Many women were struggling with basic needs every day. Ahoti wanted to make sure these women's voices were heard too.
Books and Projects
Ahoti has published several important books:
- In 2007, they released To My Sister, Mizrahi Feminist Politics. This book shares stories, poems, and ideas about Mizrahi feminism. It talks about things like social class and identity.
- In 2012, they published From A to Z: A Dictionary of Peace by Women in Israel. This book was a project with 60 Jewish and Arab women. They shared their personal ideas about peace. The book was written in both Hebrew and Arabic.
Important Actions and Partnerships
Ahoti has been involved in many important struggles:
- In 2003, they supported Vicki Knafo. She led a protest of single mothers against cuts in child support.
- In 2008, Ahoti fought against schools that separated students based on their background. This happened in a town called Immanuel. They worked to make sure all children could go to the same schools.
- In 2014, Ahoti started the "Mizrahi Feminist Madrasa". This is an educational program. It offers courses and workshops for women.
Ahoti is also part of the Shutfut Coalition. This is a group of women's organizations. They work together to promote equality and justice for women.
Ahoti Fair Trade Shop
In 2009, Ahoti opened a special shop. It is called the Ahoti Fair Trade shop. It was the first of its kind in the Middle East.
- The shop works with 16 other social groups.
- It sells handmade items from over 200 women. These women come from many different cultures.
- All the products are made by women who need financial help.
- The shop helps these women sell their products. It allows them to earn money fairly without extra costs from middlemen.
Ahoti House
Ahoti's main office is in Tel Aviv. It is in a neighborhood called Neve Sha'anan. This place is a community center for Mizrahi feminism.
- It has an information center.
- It offers advice and support.
- It hosts art shows, talks, workshops, and other events. These events are for people in the neighborhood and the public.
Black Night Festival
Ahoti House also hosts the "Black Night" festival every year. This festival is a protest against Tel Aviv's "White Night" festival.
- Ahoti and other groups from South Tel Aviv say that the city focuses too much on Ashkenazi culture.
- They feel that their neighborhoods are ignored and have become run-down.
- The "Black Night" festival highlights these issues. It shows the different experiences of people in the city.
Who Works at Ahoti
Many dedicated people have worked with Ahoti.
- The famous actor and director Ronit Alkabetz was the president of Ahoti until she passed away in 2016.
- Shula Keshet is the executive director.
- Oshri Hayon is the chairwoman of the executive committee.
- Carmen Elmakias leads the projects.
- Other important members have included Smadar Lavie, Flora Sasson, Esther Eillam, Henriette Dahan Kalev and Pnina Motzafi-Haller.
