The Cleaning Cooperative Tand’if (Cooperativ HaNikayon) is a cooperative cleaning enterprise co-owned and managed by Arab women in Israel. Established in 2017, Tand’if aims to address key challenges in the cleaning industry, including exploitative labor practices, while providing fair employment and pathways for economic mobility for Arab women.
By promoting dignified work, fair wages, and joint ownership, Tand’if seeks to create a sustainable employment model. Members have voting rights on key decisions, such as setting annual goals and approving budgets, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach. The cooperative also aims to tackle two broader social issues: low workforce participation rates among Arab women and the prevalence of poor working conditions in the cleaning industry. Since its founding in 2017, Tand’if has expanded its operations significantly. The cooperative, now with 170 members, is tripling its numbers at the Jisr a-Zarka and Jerusalem branches and opening a new center for Bedouin women in the Negev.
Integrating Work with Growth Opportunities
Tand’if combines employment with access to vocational and personal development programs. Members participate in courses designed to strengthen skills and confidence, such as Hebrew language training, computer literacy, personal finance management, and workshops on workplace and social rights.
For many Arab women, proficiency in Hebrew is a significant barrier to entering the workforce. Those with strong Hebrew skills are five times more likely to enter Israel’s labor market and can navigate public spaces more effectively.
In collaboration with the Al-Siwar organization, Tand’if recently launched a Gender Course. This program addresses topics such as gender roles, self-image, and assertiveness while providing tools for preventing domestic violence, offering guidance and support for leaving dangerous relationships.
Supporting Members During Crisis
In response to the events of October 7th and the unfolding war, Tand’if introduced emergency measures to support its members. It provided emergency support, resilience training with two sessions with psychologists, and essential services like food baskets and transportation to its members. Jewish women volunteers recruited by the management stepped in to assist Arab women, who were afraid to travel outside their localities, creating a supportive community in times of need. The cooperative also organized activities to foster social connections, including fun days for mothers and children.
Expanding to the Negev
As part of its ongoing growth and response to the tragedy in the south of Israel, Tand’if is establishing a new branch in the Negev, targeting the Bedouin community.
“In the days following October 7th, we came together to reflect on how we could use the tools at our disposal to contribute, strengthen, support, and rebuild the southern region and the communities affected. This is a challenging, complex, and overwhelming time for all of us. Yet the resilience of a society is measured not only by its immediate response to crises but by its ability to look ahead. In moments of fracture, building long-term infrastructure offers hope.”
The Negev’s Bedouin community, comprising approximately 21% of the region’s population, faces profound economic challenges, with 68% living in poverty. Over 70% of working-age Bedouin women remain outside the labor force due to barriers such as inadequate transportation, limited Hebrew proficiency, and exploitative working conditions. “As such a significant group, Bedouins—and Bedouin women in particular—have the potential to be a central driver of social and economic growth in the region.” The Negev branch will provide fair employment opportunities alongside tailored training programs, mentorship, and career development resources.
Proven Model for Change
Since its founding in 2017, Tand’if has grown into a cooperative with 170 members, empowering Arab women through dignified employment and equitable treatment. Many members live below the poverty line, including single mothers, first-time workforce entrants, and sole family providers. Notably, 75% of members previously faced exploitative work conditions and lacked access to their rights.
Tand’if views fair employment in the cleaning industry as a foundation for broader advancement. Currently, 25% of employees who began as cleaning staff have been promoted to management roles or the cooperative’s board. Half of the management team advanced from cleaning positions, demonstrating the cooperative’s commitment to growth and opportunity. Members with over two years of experience are also eligible for scholarships to pursue external vocational courses, such as payroll accounting.
Hear from the Cooperative’s members here.
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