With only 10-20% of Bedouin women participating in the workforce, Sidreh (a Bedouin women's organization), sees economic development of women-owned small enterprises as a strategic goal for the whole community.

On February 26^th, Sidreh celebrated the completion of a two-year partnership with the Middle East Peace Initiative of the US Embassy (MEPI) on an Economic Development Program that provided skills such as financial literacy, knowledge and tools for small-business develoment to improve the economic situation of Bedouin women. Mover than 100 women were in attendance. 

Deputy US Ambassador to Israel, William Grant, congratulated Sidreh and its beneficiaries on ensuring that Bedouin women acquire skills to become entrepreneurs, join the labor market and have access to a stable income. Overall, nearly 70 women participated in entrepreneurship trainings, and more than 50 women partook in employment skills workshops and financial literacy courses. Currently, 10 new women-owned businesses are in varying stages of development, and 13 existing businesses have continued to expand and develop through the Bedouin Women’s Small Business Forum.