What it is about:

As a result of the Israel-Hamas conflict, many women-owned businesses faced significant challenges. However, initiatives like Bonot Calcala are stepping in to provide essential support to these businesses, helping them to recover and thrive.

Why it matters:

With the backdrop of the ongoing conflict and its aftermath, Israeli initiatives are showing resilience and solidarity, particularly towards women’s economic empowerment. Supporting women-owned businesses showcases Israel’s commitment to nurturing its entrepreneurial spirit, even in challenging times.

Details:

Liraz Lavi Assor, a copywriter from Mivtahim near the Gaza border, found herself having to rebuild her business from scratch after being evacuated due to Hamas attacks. Previously relying on word-of-mouth, she lacked a digital presence until she received help from Bonot Calcala.

“Life stopped, and my work stopped,” Lavi Assor recounts. Fortunately, with Bonot Calcala’s comprehensive support, she was able to get a new website and access to business resources, breathing new life into her professional journey.

What Bonot Calcala Offers:

Bonot Calcala, an initiative by Bonot Alternativa, has invested around half a million shekels to help women freelancers, which includes marketing, financial support, and digital presence. This initiative was driven by the significant impact the conflict had on women – with twice as many women as men being put on unpaid leave during the war, and a higher percentage of women experiencing reduced productivity and work hours.

“We saw the widespread impact of the war on women and knew we had to act,” said Inbar Gilboa, deputy CEO of Bonot Alternativa.

Community and Collaboration:

The extensive initiative now includes around 250 female freelancers, creating a supportive business community and network. Additionally, the project partners with Link 19, a digital agency employing local women, further enabling female evacuees to rebuild their professional lives.

As Lavi Assor prepares to restart her business, she acknowledges how crucial the support was, stating, “All the credit for my readiness to relaunch my business goes to them.”

Conclusion:

Israeli initiatives like Bonot Calcala represent determination and solidarity, ensuring women-owned businesses in Israel not only recover but also thrive despite adversities.

This story was first published on jpost.com.