Economic Empowerment for Women (EEW) is a non-profit organization in Israel dedicated to improving women’s lives through economic empowerment.
Our mission is to supply low-income women in Israel with the knowledge and tools to create and grow their own small businesses as a means for gaining self-sufficiency and alleviating the cycle of poverty in which they live.
EEW was founded in 2000 by feminist activists in Haifa. Over the years, EEW has developed innovative and ground-breaking programs that were studied and researched by government and academic organizations. These programs have inspired many in the field of economic empowerment and business entrepreneurship. All of EEW's programs are based on a feminist approach and personal empowerment processes designed to fit our diverse population of women, and result in emotional welfare enabling economic growth. These programs are run in collaboration with government institutions, local authorities and social organizations throughout the country. Since its establishment,
Our strategy: EEW assists women in opening their own small businesses using a strategy originated in Bangladesh by Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank. The Micro-Enterprise strategy enables women to become self-sufficient through self-employment. This is often not out of a desire to run a business, but rather out of necessity. EEW adopted this strategy because many low income women do not have the education or skills required by the labor market, nor does the labor market offer many options for their stable, long-term employment. With micro-enterprise, women can use their skills and assets in building a business of their choice--at the same time allowing them flexibility to manage the complex demands of their lives.
Our target population: EEW has served over 6,750 women from underprivileged populations in Israel, most from the geographic and social periphery, including ultraorthodox, Arabs, new immigrants, single parents, and women over 45.EEW Activities have taken place in over 85 locations, and EEW has played an active role in the establishment and growth of over 1,800 small businesses in a variety of fields
Our programs
A Business of One's Own
EEW's flagship program, considered pioneer in the field of entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and business training in Israel. A yearlong program, in which the participants receive business training, and undergo a process of personal empowerment. The program is based on the strategy of micro entrepreneurship as a way of fighting poverty, developed by 2006 Nobel peace prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus. It was adopted by the national insurance institute and researched by Dr. Amalia Saar and others.
Business development services
Long term support is crucial for the success of small businesses. EEW has developed a variety of services for accompaniment after the training process is completed. These services are aimed at helping entrepreneurs at the beginning stages of their business, and connecting them to local and national business networks and include seminars, workshops, conferences and computer and social media skills.
Savings for the future
A program for advancing financial orientation and planned savings. The participants acquire knowledge and tools such as pension savings, and dealing with financial institutions (banks, insurance agencies etc.) and are encouraged to adopt consumption and saving behavior that can ensure there financial future. Small loans are also provided for program participants businesses.
Participating in supportive policy making
EEW is part of a coalition of women's organizations in Israel called "Shutafot-Partners" that works to influence public policy that promotes a just economy and employment policy for Israeli women. EEW works with other NGO's in Israel and throughout the world and and is assisted by experts and strategies being developed in various communities. External and internal academic research has followed EEW for many years in order to evaluate our achievements and difficulties.
Our history
- 2000EEW is formally registered at the registrar's office
- 2000The first "A Business of One's own" opens in Neve Yosef, Haifa
- 2001EEW rents an office on 19 Ben Gurion St, Haifa
- 2002"A Business of One's own" is "adopted" and researched by social security as a pioneer program for women from underprivileged populations in Israel
- 2003A fair is held for "A Business of One's Own" graduates at the City Center in Haifa
- 2003The 11th annual conference for women and gender studies and feminist theory hosted by the womens studies forum and NCJW on the femininization of poverty – microenterpanearship as a strategy for escaping poverty and exonomically empowering women
- 2003A conference titles "it's time for small businesses" at Leo Beck in Haifa
- 2004The first "A Business of One's Own" paper was printed
- 2004A fair is held for "A Business of One's Own" graduates in Jerusalem
- 200415 graduate's work are presented at a five day fair in New Brunswick New Jersey as part of a week on Jewish culture
- 2005The first seminar for organization focusing on economic empowerment for women
- 2005Strategic planning
- 2005A course for Arab business facilitators
- 2005EEW moves to it's new office on Ha'atzmaut st. Haifa
- 2006A fair is held for "A Business of One's Own" graduates at Tel Aviv port with Come il Faut
- 2007A business incubator opened in the north supported by the government social security institution
- 2012EEW launched a dedicated program for Arab women academics, expanding their economic and social opportunities.
- 2013A Business of One’s Own was redesigned as a three-stage program combining business training and ongoing support over approximately 18 months.
- 2020In response to COVID-19, EEW adapted its programs to a hybrid format and expanded support for women business owners through individual consulting, online lectures, and digital tools.
- 2026Research on graduates of A Business of One’s Own highlighted the complex barriers women face and the importance of sustained support.
- TodayAfter 26 years, EEW has supported more than 6,750 women and helped establish or strengthen over 4,560 businesses. In partnership with the Adva Center, EEW published research on the challenges facing self-employed women during economic crises.
