From the Field to Change: Women and Communities in the Unrecognized Villages of the Negev

The tour was organized in cooperation between Itach Ma’aki - Women Lawyers for Social Justice, Standing Together, and FES Israel and is part of a project co-funded by the European Union. It included visits to the Council for the Unrecognized Villages, the city of Rahat, and the village of Al-Zarnuq, where we met with women leaders, activists, and community professionals.

Among the participants were women who took part in Manhigot HaNegev (Women Leaders of the Negev), a leadership course that we partnered last year with Itach Ma’aki -Women Lawyers for Social Justice in the framework of the project co-funded by the European Union. The tour provided an opportunity for Jewish and Bedouin participants to connect with one another as well as with local women leaders and activists and to learn from their experiences.

The speakers shared insights into the challenges faced by Bedouin communities in the Negev, including home demolitions, displacement, and pressure to relocate to recognized Bedouin towns that already face significant housing shortages. It was also explained that Bedouin society still relies heavily on its tribal structure. Consequently, relocation can be especially challenging, as families may be separated from their traditional support networks and, in some cases, may not be fully integrated into the communities to which they are relocated. Several speakers also expressed concern that some demolitions and relocations are linked to state development plans, including the establishment of new Jewish settlements instead of the existing Bedouin villages.

Another important theme presented was the need for culturally sensitive initiatives. In some communities, traditional gender roles still limit women's ability to travel independently, work outside the home, or participate in public life. As a result, activists and community organizations have developed creative approaches to engage women where they are, creating opportunities for leadership, education, and participation that are adapted to local realities and needs.

The tour highlighted both the challenges and the resilience of Bedouin communities, as well as the vital role women play in advancing social change. It also fostered meaningful networking opportunities, with participants already beginning to build relationships with local activists for future cooperation and mutual support.