Internatinal Women’s Day 2024 in Nitzanim thank you our friends

On March 8th, we, at the Nitzanim program( BeNetivei Udi organization), marked the International Women’s Day with a gathering of senior women IDF officers, executives from the private market, and leaders in philanthropy. Approximately 200 teenage girls joined them at Amdocs Park in Ra’anana to address the gender disparity in technology professions and advocate for technological education among girls. Distinguished attendees included Anat Ramati Shushu, President of the Shushu Family Foundation; Sarit Asaf, Product and Technology Division Manager at Amdocs; Keren Katzir Steibel, Head of the Business Development Unit at Bar Kaima and Corporate Responsibility of the Digital System; and Lieutenant Colonel Yael Grossman. Lt. Col. (res.) Korin Cohen Matuk, Director of the Nitzanim Program, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the gender inequality prevalent in technology professions. Despite girls studying mathematics at rates nearly equal to boys in high school, the representation of females in technological studies and roles diminishes over time. Currently, women account for 23% of cyber roles and development in the army, 30% in hi-tech professions at universities, and only 9% of startup founders.
“While these figures are concerning, they do not determine our future. The Nitzanim program has been dedicated to narrowing the gender gap in technology professions for over six years. Approximately 85% of program graduates have secured selected technological roles, with 78% of them being girls - and this is just the beginning. We will persist until we achieve equal representation of women in both the army and hi-tech,” promised Lt. Col. (res.) Matuk. Sarit Asaf, Product and Technology Division Manager at Amdocs, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the rapid advancement of technology and the need for
women active participation in shaping the future. “Technology is evolving rapidly, and we find ourselves at a critical juncture where active involvement in shaping the future is not merely an option but a necessity. YES, WE GEN - this is not just a slogan. It is our collective commitment to drive and support meaningful change. I believe that everyone, regardless of gender, plays a role in this transformative journey. Everyone must contribute to shaping technology. Together, we have the power to influence and shape gender equality.”
Additionally, the teenage girls participated in a workshop titled “Beyond the Glass Ceiling” by the SHAVOT Association, aimed at bolstering the self-esteem of girls and equipping them with tools to pursue their aspirations. They concluded the event with a dinner and received a special card set featuring inspirational women.
To all our partners - We thank you for your trust and support of our WomenTech program, which works towards bridging the gender gap in the IDF and the high-tech industry.