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The Bedouin neighborhood, in Taibeh, is both one of the largest neighborhoods in Taibeh
and one of the poorest and most neglected. Despite their right and guarantee
to basic services as both Israeli citizens and as victims of a government-forced
displacement, the people of the Bedouin neighborhood of Taibeh suffer continuously
from the lack of basic infrastructure, including running water, a sewage system, proper
housing, dependable electricity, local educational services, and basic health care
services.
Women are especially affected by the lack of resources and services. Almost
90% of women in the Bedouin neighborhood of Taibeh are illiterate. Research by the
Association has revealed that teachers treat Bedouin students with neglect, carelessness,
and contempt, keeping Bedouin students from integrating within the school system.
For many Bedouin girls and women, the educational system does not provide knowledge
which seems relevant to their lives. In addition, social attitudes which stress
female protection cause parents to refuse to send female adolescents to far away schools
along unsafe routes. Illiteracy affects all aspects of a woman's life.
Socially, it is harder for women to travel or act independently due to their inability
to speak, read, or write Hebrew. Even if a woman does manage to travel to Kefar
Saba or Netanya to receive medical care for example, she will find it difficult
to communicate with the doctor or nurse. Lastly, women, the primary caregivers
within the Bedouin family, are unable to help their children with homework, resulting
in generational gulfs and continued difficulty in educational achievement. Due
to their lack of formal education and a social environment which discourages Bedouin
women from working outside the home, most are financially dependent on husbands and
fathers. The lack of infrastructure in the Bedouin neighborhood discourages
local business initiatives and deters any outside businesses from entering the neighborhood.
As a result 70% of the neighborhood population is unemployed. Many women feel
emotionally and socially displaced in an environment which does not value or need
the nomadic household skills which previously allowed women to be productive
members of the family and economy.
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