About WTB’s Online Information Center
Many of us turn to the internet when we are physically or mentally distressed, or when we had a worrying medical diagnosis. The option of global search opens to us many possibilities and much information which allow us to feel in control. All the same, without guidance, this excess information could be confusing and worrying. Some websites serve commercial interests and others are not up to date or accurate.
The purpose of the WTB’s Online Information Center is to respond to women’s need in Israel to be able to access simple, clear and reliable information. Information which is concentrated exclusively in one single website and which, at the same time, is up to date and reliable as well as empowering and inspiring. The advantage of such a website is in its focused interest in Israeli women covering a variety of aspects such as body image, industrial and environmental health, the use of addictive substance, violence, aspects unique to women in relation to generic illnesses, sexuality, sexual preference, fertility treatments, menopause, our rights within the health system and more.
The Online Information Center is accessible and clear to every woman or young girl in Israel, in two main languages – Hebrew and Arabic. It is unique in that it gathered information from hundreds of Israeli women who represent a broad professional spectrum. This information is presented in a way that encourages women to find out about their bodies, about their health and their sexuality. As a result, it reduces the lack of knowledge and uncertainties, and enables taking a more informed stance when faced with the medical establishment. The Online Information Center provides detailed and constantly updated information about tests, studies, nourishment and sports as well as recommendations concerning self-examinations, complementary medicine and more. This website will also deal with controversial issues for which sometimes it is difficult to obtain responsible information from elsewhere (such as the availability of special kinds of contraceptives, detailed information about abortions, political and economic aspects of female health and more). The Online Information Center attempts to expose the surfer to a unique world of experiences by a range of women from a wide spectrum of the Israeli society. This array of voices makes for the most complex and interesting reading, promoting solidarity and triggering action towards improving our own personal health and the health of those around us.
Why is this important? Many of us tend to put off the treatment of our own health because we have no time, no resources, or the right kind of education. The Online Information Center allows women to find a moment for themselves, to expand their knowledge without involving others in their intimate problems. From a field study conducted by the association ‘Women and Their Bodies’, we have found out the many advantages which could encourage women to use the website:
v “Without embarrassment” – accessibility anywhere at any time.
v “At eye level” – language which explains medical terms simply.
v “My language” – there is scant accessibility to information which deals with the woman’s body within extremely traditional societies in Israel.
v “Information does not belong only to the rich”
v “I would like to know you” – establishing the association’s image and its unique activity.