Israeli Women Break Tech Barriers Through Global Alliance

When Anne Baer and Jenyfer Jerbi founded Women in Tech® Israel in 2020, they knew the Start-Up Nation had a problem: groundbreaking innovation, but lagging gender inclusion.

Six years later, their vision is creating real change. Last year, they hosted delegates from 13 countries, including former Afghan mayor Zarifa Ghafari, who fled threats and attacks in her homeland. These brave women came to Israel during security turmoil to share experiences, build solidarity, and learn from each other's struggles.

The numbers tell a compelling story of untapped potential. Israeli girls make up half of top math scores and 34.5% of the highest computer science scores in high school. But their representation drops during military service and academic STEM programs, leaving them at just one third of the tech workforce.

Israel's tech sector fueled 53% of national exports in 2024, with record exits in 2025. Yet the country that leads the world in innovation ranks average on gender inclusion at 33.5%, compared to the global 28.2%. Some countries in Asia and Africa are doing far better.

The gap represents more than fairness. It's about missing perspectives when AI algorithms are designed, data sets are interpreted, and technological decisions are made. Women score highly in cognitive empathy tests, making their voices essential in shaping tech that serves everyone.

The Ripple Effect

The international conference created unexpected bridges. Kosovo's former deputy foreign affairs minister Teuta Sahatqija called her visit "life-changing," gaining deeper understanding of Israeli society and its tech ecosystem. Women Economic Forum Europe president Chiara Corazza joined forces with peers from across continents.

These connections matter beyond networking. When women from different cultures and conflict zones unite around shared goals, they build chains of solidarity that transcend borders. They expose themselves to new realities and step outside comfort zones together.

The solution starts early. Israeli women already represent 47.5% of the workforce, far above the 42% global average. The challenge lies in keeping them engaged through military service, university STEM programs, and into tech careers. Organizations like Women in Tech® are creating pathways, mentorship, and visibility.

Israeli hi-tech needs all the skilled talent it can get, and half the population remains an underutilized resource.

Women across 60 countries are proving that collaboration, not competition, builds the future they want to see.