Arab Jewish- Businesswoman Forum

Project description

The Jewish-Arab Businesswoman Forum is exclusively for Jewish and Arab women, addressing challenges they face in the male-dominated fields of business and entrepreneurship. This program provides tailored support, helping women overcome societal and economic barriers through targeted resources, skills, and networking. While the forum does not include male participants, its activities contribute to gender equality by strengthening women’s roles and visibility in business, shifting societal perceptions over time. Program effectiveness is measured through participant feedback, tracking growth in confidence, business impact, and networking reach as indicators of progress toward gender equity.

Project's Target Group

16 businesswomen, evenly representing Jewish and Arab participants, each leading a business with 4-5 employees.

Project Description

The Jewish-Arab Businesswoman Forum is a collaborative platform created to strengthen the economic standing of Jewish and Arab women entrepreneurs by fostering partnership, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support. Operating regionally, beginning in the northern and southern districts and with plans for future expansion, the forum enables participants to engage in meaningful partnerships, develop new business ventures, and build a network that influences regional decision-makers.

The forum’s core activities include four quarterly meetings tailored to the participants' needs. Each meeting features a lecture from a prominent businesswoman and professional workshops on topics such as financial planning, storytelling, and marketing. One meeting will be a full-day tour, offering participants a change of atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from women-owned businesses in other locations. This tour also serves as a valuable space for participants to build stronger connections, fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust that strengthens the forum’s collaborative foundation.

In addition to these meetings, the forum seeks to understand and respond to the specific needs of Jewish and Arab businesswomen from a broader perspective. By providing targeted support and tailored solutions, the forum helps participants address obstacles unique to women entrepreneurs and creates an alumni network dedicated to tackling shared challenges in the fields of business and entrepreneurship. This network will support ongoing engagement and skill-building, ensuring that the forum’s impact extends well beyond individual meetings.

Together, the forum members create a collective strength that surpasses individual efforts, driving meaningful change in Israel’s business landscape. By supporting Arab and Jewish women entrepreneurs to overcome shared challenges, build sustainable businesses, and enhance their professional influence, the forum actively contributes to building a shared society that fosters inclusive economic growth, especially during challenging times. We envision this project continuing in the coming years, with expanded engagement and an increased impact that empowers more Jewish and Arab women in their careers and communities.