Eradicating Ignorance: A Gendered Literacy Campaign

Abstract

The Israeli adult literacy campaign, Operation Eradicate Ignorance ( Hamivtza lebi'ur haba'arut , 1964-1976), brought together two groups of women from different cultural backgrounds and education. This paper analyzes recollections of participants, collected in 2005-2008, in an attempt to evaluate the consequences of this cross-cultural gendered encounter. Data suggest that the confrontation between traditional female multitasking and modern skills led to opportunities for mutual learning and empowerment.