Becoming a Woman in a New Land
Empowering Young Ethiopian Girls Ruth Bitton Midwife,RN,BA
Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya, Israel
The Ethiopian population in IsraelEthiopian Jews in Israel: 130,000
1.75% :Percentage of the General PopulationLanguages: Hebrew , Amharic , TigriniyaDemographics: Central 39.6 %, South25%, Haifa 18.8% , Jerusalem 6.1%
Largest population: Netanya
38% of Ethiopian women, ages 25 - 54 are in the labor market, 68% of other Israeli women of the same age group.
62% of Ethiopian families have no income. 72% of Ethiopian children live in households below the poverty line
*Israeli association for Ethiopian Jews
Two major waves of Ethiopian Immigration
“Operation Moses" (1984)“Operation Solomon" (1991)
BETA ISRAEL POPULATION
REFUGEE CAMPS
The long journey from Ethiopia to Israel is one of physical hardship but also social, economic and cultural hardships.
Preserving and letting go
Bridging the gap between the rural life in Ethiopia and the modern western culture in Israel is a major challenge for Ethiopian immigrants
Becoming a woman is an important stepping stone in every young girl's life.
For young Ethiopian girls in the midst of cultural confusion the challenge is even greater.
Key factors such as body image, self esteem, sexual integrity and social integration can become jeopardized by cultural insecurity
RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR EMPOWERMENT
Becoming the Woman I Can BeThe Program
10-20 girls between 11-13-4 meetings3 hours each meeting
AIMS
Creating a learning experience focused on Empowering young Ethiopian girls as they approach womanhood.
Offering knowledge
Enabling expression of thoughts in a supportive and safe atmosphereHonoring the unique characteristics of the rich Ethiopian culture
The First MeetingGetting to know ourselves
My BodyExploring body image through life size body murals .Done in small groups this a chance to mingle and get to know one and other in a relaxed atmosphere .The murals enable participation without a language barrier and are accompanied by an abundance of color and excitement
The MuralsCommon characteristicsA holistic approach
The "spirit" is often depicted throughout the body resembling a cloud.
Visual depictions of feelings, fear, love,etc
Ethiopian artist Mickaël Bethe-Selassie
*Ethiopian children reported fewer body organs than did Western children .
*Ethiopian children and adults, did not think about the body in terms of biophysical functions .
*They perceived the body as a holistic system
*A divine providence is responsible for body organs working together harmoniously
Internal body perceptions of Ethiopian Jews who emigrated to IsraelRavid,Spitzer,Tamir,Granot,Noam Western Journal of Nursing 1995.
.
Our bodiespresentation
AnatomyMenstrual cycleHygieneNutrition
The Second MeetingA woman’s Gift
Bearing life
The Miracle of life presentation
FertilityPregnancyChildbirth
The Secrets We Keep
Exploring the sensitive subject of issues we hide, taboos, fears and secrets.
Setting a stage on which the girls feel they can share issues that threaten
or potentially threaten their wellbeing.
Defining Trust
What is trust? Identifying someone we can confide in Honoring our feelings.
Developing emotional safety is a key issue during this part of the program.
My soul mates
Each girl shares with the group who her soul mate is. Most girls choose to name their mother. I encourage them to find an additional soul mate, not a close family member.
This is of utmost importance due to emotional vulnerability and even the possibility of abuse in the family.
Asserting our rights
Saying YesSaying NoI AM HERE!I AM IMPORTANT!
The Third Meeting-The stories we share
Sharing experiences and memories .
Stories from Ethiopia are welcomed with pride and often the classroom becomes a stage for wonderful dancing and song
Role modeling
Sharing my own personal experience as a young girl coming to Israel and how I chose the path of becoming a nurse and later a midwife.
Shifra and Puah
The Hebrew midwives an example of courage
Most Ethiopian Jews are observant and reference to the bible is very meaningful.
Empowerment Developing Confidence
We discuss our dreams, who we are andwant to become.
The girls compliment each other on their special attributes, give praise to each other.
They share their dreams and offer suggestions for success and fulfillment .
My GiftA beautiful collection of pictures , poems and words of appreciation written and presented to me by the girls from the first program,
Maalot 2010
•Pics from booklet
Conclusion
This is a program of the heart. As it develops I am aware of the need to expand. With this understanding this year the program was offered to a neighboring community. In the future I would like to see such programs integrated into the school curriculum. It is my belief that efforts that focus on empowering girls as they become young woman are a welcome and worthwhile social investment.
Yityish “Titi” Aynaw ISRAELI BEAUTY QUEEN 2013
Pnina Tamnu ShatoKnesset Member 2013
Hagit Yassu Winner Israeli “Idol” 2011Dr Adis Malda Mitsri First Ethiopian female
Doctor In Israel
YES WE CAN!!!
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