CHW is so excited to share this incredible story about Oshra Yosef-Friedman, graduate of CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village!

June 27, 2018 version of Israel Hayom

The below article was translated from the June 27, 2018 version of Israel Hayom

Oshra Broke the Glass Ceiling: “Every Woman Should Get a Chance”

Oshra Yosef-Friedman was appointed to the highest position an Ethiopian woman has ever held within the Office of Government Ministries and National Authorities: Deputy Director General of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women • Friedman: “It is a great honor for me”

Article by: Noam (Dvol) Dvir

Photo Credit: Gideon Agza

Oshra Yosef-Friedman, married and the mother of three children, a member of the Ethiopian community, was born in the village of Ozba in Ethiopia, the youngest child in a family with nine children who immigrated to Israel as part of Operation Moses. Now that she has been chosen as the deputy director general of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women, she will serve in the most senior position to have ever been filled by a member of the Ethiopian community within the Office of Government Ministries and National Authorities.

Yosef-Friedman lived with her family in the absorption center in Ashkelon and later in Netanya. She completed her high school education at the CHW Hadassim Youth Village. She then served as an officer in the Education Corps and was a member of the roundtable forum established by the Police Commissioner following an Ethiopian immigrant protest.

“I went through the entire process, but when I got the phone call I was surprised because I did not take anything for granted … I think that whoever looks at the appointment sees that the government and policy makers open doors to equal appointments and give everyone a chance. In my view, any woman who can and wants to reach roles or fulfill dreams must have the opportunity, and that is the challenge that stands before me. It is a great honor to join a high quality team. ”

Minister of Social Equality Gila Gamliel insisted that her office would guarantee at least two senior positions for Ethiopian women: “The appointment of Oshra Yosef-Friedman, an inspiring leader, is another expression of the social equality revolution we have been leading in Israel for three years.” Among the main functions of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women (a unit within the Ministry for Social Equality) is to raise awareness and to make social and awareness-raising changes in gender equality. Recently, the Authority has even launched a campaign, which calls on women to compete in elections for the public authorities and to influence Israeli society. This year, more than 70 women will run for municipal elections.

According to Ava Medzhibuz, Director-General of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women: “Oshra Yosef-Friedman has turned social activity into her calling card at a very young age. The topics dealt with are those on the agenda of the Authority for the Advancement of the Status of Women. The ability to strengthen the personal and economic situation of women through education, employment and promotion of positions of influence, rather than through allowances that perpetuate poverty and dependence on the system. This is our worldview and its approval is an important partner for its implementation. I look forward to the beginning of our joint work.

Check out a video about Oshra that World WIZO posted on their Facebook page below: