Israeli NGO Leader Highlights Economic Abuse as Key to Ending Violence Against Women

After 11 years as CEO of the Israeli nonprofit "Ruach Nashit" (Female Spirit), social worker Tamar Schwartz announced her departure, reflecting on the organization's expanded impact and ongoing challenges in combating violence against women. Under her leadership, the organization grew threefold and gained influence in Israeli and international policy discussions, notably shifting public and institutional awareness to include economic abuse as a form of violence.

Schwartz emphasized that economic violence, such as restricting women's access to work, bank accounts, or financial decisions, has long existed but was only recently recognized by lawmakers, government agencies, banks, and the media. This recognition has enabled the development of tools to help women escape such abuse. However, Schwartz stressed that rescuing women from violent situations is insufficient without providing them with sustainable economic independence to prevent returning to abusive partners out of survival needs.

To address this, "Ruach Nashit" created comprehensive programs offering vocational training, employment support, mentoring, rights advocacy, and personal guidance, helping thousands of women rebuild their lives. The organization also engaged in policy advocacy, collaborating with the Knesset, government ministries, the Bank of Israel, and financial institutions to improve legislation, financial stability for victims, debt management, public housing solutions, and child support policies.

Internationally, the NGO gained status as a special advisor to the United Nations on combating violence against women, leading efforts to recognize economic abuse globally, including promoting November 26 as the International Day for the Fight Against Economic Violence. Schwartz noted that national crises, like the October 2025 conflict, further expose vulnerable women but also demonstrate societal solidarity through volunteer and corporate support.

Despite progress, Schwartz acknowledged that economic violence still exacts a heavy toll, legislation remains incomplete, and many women face the harsh choice between poverty and abusive relationships. She called on the state, employers, banks, the judiciary, and society to share responsibility in equipping women with the tools to never return to violence. Schwartz concluded that while she is stepping down, the mission to eradicate economic abuse and support survivors continues.

Summary: Tamar Schwartz, outgoing CEO of Israeli NGO "Ruach Nashit," highlights the critical role of recognizing and combating economic abuse in ending violence against women, stressing the need for sustainable economic independence and systemic policy changes.

Points: ["Tamar Schwartz ends 11-year tenure leading 'Ruach Nashit' with expanded impact.", "Economic abuse now recognized in Israeli law, banking, and public discourse.", "NGO provides vocational training and support to help women achieve financial independence.", "Advocacy led to policy changes in government, banking, and social welfare systems.", "'Ruach Nashit' gained UN advisory status, promoting global recognition of economic violence.", "Schwartz urges collective responsibility to prevent women returning to abusive situations."]

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people":["Tamar Schwartz"],"organizations":["Ruach Nashit","Knesset","Bank of Israel","United Nations"],"places":["Israel"]}