Israel-Philippines Brunch Celebrates Women in Cybersecurity

Women leaders across the Philippines just showed that the future of cybersecurity looks brighter when everyone gets a seat at the table. Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh hosted the InnovateHer brunch in Manila, bringing together innovators from technology, medicine, business, and media to celebrate Women's Month and forge new partnerships.

The event tackled a persistent myth head-on. Ambassador Kursh emphasized that cybersecurity only seems male-dominated because of perception and access barriers, not because women lack the talent or drive to excel in the field.

The gathering featured powerhouse speakers who proved that point beautifully. Chiqui Escareal-Go shared insights on leadership and innovation, while Liat Azulay from tech giant Amdocs opened up about her journey as a female leader navigating the industry. Ofek Venecianer showcased Israel's world-renowned cybersecurity ecosystem, which includes more than 550 companies generating roughly $14 billion in annual exports.

Real collaboration happened beyond the speeches. Israeli firms like Check Point Software Technologies and DeviceTotal demonstrated cutting-edge technologies, while founder Carmit Yadin shared her experience building innovation from the ground up.

The event brought together the Israel Economic and Trade Mission to the Philippines, the Philippine Chief Information Officer Association, and the Women in Security Alliance Philippines. This partnership signals something bigger than a single event.

The Ripple Effect

The connections forged at InnovateHer extend far beyond one afternoon of networking. By creating space for women leaders to share knowledge across sectors, the event planted seeds for future collaborations that could reshape cybersecurity in Southeast Asia.

Israel's commitment to empowering women in technology creates opportunities for the Philippines to tap into proven expertise. The bilateral partnership opens doors for Filipino women to access training, mentorship, and resources from one of the world's leading cybersecurity hubs.

These conversations matter because digital security affects everyone. When diverse perspectives shape the technologies protecting our data, our businesses, and our communities, the solutions become stronger and more inclusive.

The women gathered at InnovateHer aren't waiting for permission to lead, they're building the future of digital security together, one partnership at a time.