Ilana Meallem

Category: Activists

I am currently an Environmental Studies Masters student conducting research into environmental and health impacts of inadequate solid waste disposal services amongst the minority Bedouin community in the Negev, Israel. The treatment of the Indigenous Bedouins in the Negev is a critical example of environmental/social injustice. The data that I have collected is of great importance to grassroots advocates and government ministries (health and environment), and has already led to some very interesting projects.

The biogas project is targeting the women of the community both as a solution to women's health issues (due to the lack of toilette facilities, exposure to smoke emitted from burning organic waste) and as a tool of empowerment (women will be responsible for maintaining the biogas facilities once running) and hence the involvement of the Center for Women's Health Studies & Promotion of BGU.