I am pleased to announce that the Minister for Social Equality and the Advancement of Women, May Golan, has informed me that WIZO has been awarded the ‘Ministerial Award in the Field of Combating Violence Against Women’ for 2024. This honor recognizes our unique and significant contribution to this field during the ‘Iron Swords’ war.
We were recognized for operating our shelter for women affected by violence in Ashdod during the war. The shelter was on the front line and endured significant rocket attacks on the city. The shelter staff and the Department for the Advancement of Women did everything possible to provide a stable, safe, and protected environment for women and children, enabling them to undergo optimal rehabilitation and treatment processes during a very complex time.
Additionally, we implemented unique programs and workshops to support evacuated women, young mothers, and the wives of reservists.
Alongside us, two other organizations were also honored:
• The Michal Sela Forum
• The initiative “With You Every Step of the Way” by the organization Woman to Woman.
Anita Friedman