Laqiya's Desert Embroidery Project Set on Fire

THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE STATUS OF WOMEN: LAQIYA

On Thursday, the 19th of May 2005, the Center of The Association for the Improvement of the Status of Women: Laqiya was set on fire. This incident is one of the many incidents against social change in general, and against activities for women in particular, that have occurred in the village.

Grantee: The Association for the Improvement of the Status of Women: Laqiya, Israel

Letter of Protest

On Thursday, the 19th of May, 2005, the Center of The Association for the Improvement of the Status of Women: Laqiya was set on fire. Unfortunately we are forced to rouse public indignation against such a violent, demoralizing and contemptible act.

The Association for the Improvement of the Status of Women: Laqiya was established in 1992 by women of the village in order to lead social change through the empowerment of Arab-Bedouin women and the advancement of their status in their own community in particular and in Israeli society in general. The Association works in the areas of women's empowerment, the employment of women, literacy, early childhood, and leadership for young women.

The activities of the Association are concentrated in the Desert Embroidery Project, a project for economic empowerment that employs and provides a living for 165 women. As a result of this contemptible incident, 165 women lose their livelihood and approximately 600 children that benefit from the activities of the Association will have to wait until the Association can return to full operation.

This incident is one of the many incidents against social change in general and against activities for women in particular, that have occurred in the village.