Across Israel’s tech landscape, women are not just participating; they are leading, innovating, and shaping the future of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
While systemic and cultural barriers remain – particularly for olim (new immigrants) without professional networks or fluent Hebrew – opportunities for women to enter hi-tech and STEM are steadily expanding.
What follows is a snapshot of women involved in new initiatives, mentorship programs, and community-driven platforms that are helping close those gaps for women in tech.
Breaking barriers
For many women, the challenge of entering tech becomes the catalyst for creating solutions.
Julia Selow, entrepreneur and founder of Habaita, an AI-driven relocation platform, understands how difficult breaking into Israel’s tech workforce can be as a new immigrant.
Originally from Luxembourg, Selow recalls the frustration of navigating bureaucracy and rebuilding her professional footing from scratch after making aliyah for the second time.
“Because my first round of making aliyah was very painful, I decided I did not want it to go the same way. So I started to develop an app, at the beginning, for myself.”
What began as a personal tool to search for apartments and jobs evolved into a full AI platform designed to streamline relocation in Israel, one Selow hopes will eventually expand globally.
“It’s like an AI operating system for global relocation... starting with Israel and covering the entire road map of relocation in general,” she said.
Beyond simplifying bureaucracy, the platform includes a “buddy system” connecting olim with Israeli mentors who offer guidance and cultural support, helping ease entry into Israeli society and the workforce.
When asked how more women can be encouraged to join hi-tech, Selow emphasized early exposure. Although she comes from a fine arts background, she learned programming from her father.
“I think maybe that’s exactly a solution: that parents need to push their kids, to bring them closer to technology from a young age.”
She also sees olim as a professional asset, especially in a company focused on relocation. “I do believe that olim have a lot of knowledge... I think they could be a huge asset to the company.”
Selow’s entrepreneurship demonstrates that with ambition and persistence, women can enter and thrive in the hi-tech world.
Professional networks
Alongside entrepreneurship, structured mentorship and professional networks are widening access to tech careers.
Meygan Aflalo, founder of Olim Matslihim, helps new immigrants find jobs and integrate into the labor market, particularly in hi-tech. Having worked in customer success and account management roles, she highlighted the qualities women often bring to client-facing roles:
“When it comes to hi-tech, and when it comes to client relationships, building trust and relationships, and helping people see value... there’s something that is very powerful in the way that a woman can do it,” she said.
More women are now stepping into leadership positions as team leaders, VPs, and directors – roles that are increasingly accepted and encouraged, added Aflalo.
At her previous company, SimilarWeb, she noticed strong female representation.
Olim Matslihim, too, reflects similar trends. “So female, it’s 57%. And men are 43%.”
Still, Aflalo stressed that gender does not determine performance and that inclusion initiatives must expand opportunity broadly.
“I don’t want it to be, like, either women or men. I want everyone; because at the end of the day, all persons need the help and deserve a job, and they deserve the opportunity to meet with mentors and companies.”
Building networks
Beyond individual companies, organizations across Israel are creating structured pathways for women in tech.
Jenyfer Jerbi, co-founder of Women in Tech Israel, focuses on building networks that support women at every career stage, from students to senior executives.
“We are for everybody – the Sabras [native Israels], the international, and obviously the olot [female new immigrants]... Our mission is to help women and girls in Israel to stay in tech, to jump in tech, to study STEM, and to build their careers.”
Although the organization is not exclusively for new immigrants, Jerbi noted their strong involvement. “Olim are more involved with us... because there’s this feeling that... when you are part of a community, it helps you to integrate yourself.”
Operating through four pillars – advocacy, business, education, and social impact – the organization connects women locally and globally. Its annual summit and 24-hour world tour expand networks beyond geographic limitations.
“Because we are a global movement, we have a hub that enables every woman from every chapter to connect to one another. You’re part of a network bigger than just you and your friend. You can reach out to all these women around the world.”
Women in Tech Israel also works regionally in Israel, with outreach to minorities and underserved communities.
When asked what can be done to encourage women to consider tech, Jerbi pointed to Israel’s unique ecosystem.
“I think Israel is somehow privileged by the nature of our Start-Up Nation. We’re being called the nation of tech. So I think there’s a positive precondition. That doesn’t mean that all girls necessarily want to go there [tech industries].
“We’re doing amazing with what we have.... It’s very empowering.”
Mentorship programs through Women in Tech Israel remain central to this effort, connecting girls with women in STEM, and offering role models and tangible examples of what is possible.
Jerbi also acknowledged ongoing work-life balance challenges that may deter women from entering the tech industry.
“There’s this kind of intensity here that we love and hate... How can I grow in my career, keep growing in my career, when I also want to have a family?”
Flexible workplaces make a critical difference, she noted.
“You feel comfortable to do your work and to be empowered to do what you do best. But also feeling good that you can go home and be with your kids when you need to.”
Through these mentorship programs and women-led innovations, pathways into hi-tech are becoming more accessible than ever, ensuring that the next generation of women will not simply enter the field but will continue reshaping it.■