I welcome with all my heart this gathering, which seeks to shine a spotlight on the wonderful work of heroic women, real pioneers, on the front and in the rear, and no less for female leadership in high-tech and in wartime in particular. Amidst the shaky days of fighting that have passed us right from their beginning on October 7th, we are exposed to extraordinary revelations in the power of heroism, nobility and devotion. In each of the burning fronts that we have been managing since Simchat Torah, we find fighting women, strong-willed, standing in full force as the heroes of the hour. Against the background of all this, it must be said openly - we need and need this female heroism and influence around the leadership and decision-making tables. Yes, even in the high-tech world, which has such an influential place in our lives as a society and as a country. After all, we learned firsthand and saw with our own eyes what a force multiplier it is to open the ranks, to give an equal and influential place to our sisters, women, mothers, to these warriors - who are fearless. May we all lead Israeli society together towards a safe shore quickly and safely.'
These words were said by the wife of the president, Michal Herzog, at the annual conference of female CEOs of the Israel Hi-Tech Association, Woman CEO Summit 2024, which was held yesterday (Tuesday) at the Stock Exchange in Tel Aviv.
The annual conference of female CEOs was held for the second year, close to International Women's Day, and deals with the promotion of women in high-tech.
The conference featured Ted lectures, one-on-one interviews and panels on hot topics such as: the upheaval in the high-tech industry in light of the events of October 7 and the 'Iron Swords' war, major challenges faced by women in Israeli high-tech, how innovation can be grown even in times of instability and of a local and global economic crisis and more. Other topics that came up at the conference dealt with the issues of promoting women in practice, how to encourage more women to enter the high-tech industry, and what needs to be done in order to see more women in management positions in high-tech.
Second from left: Maya Schwartz, CEO of the Hi-Tech Union, and Lida Marian Cohen, chairman of the union, and Ron Tomer, president of the Manufacturers' Association.
Second from left: Maya Schwartz, CEO of the Hi-Tech Union, and Lida Marian Cohen, chairman of the union, and Ron Tomer, president of the Manufacturers' Association. Photography: Liat Mendel
Maya Schwartz, CEO of the Israel Hi-Tech Association, stated that "the annual conference of CEOs is being held for the second year in preparation for Women's Day, but the real victory and celebration will be the day we stop celebrating Women's Day because it will no longer be necessary." The crisis that happened on October 7 proved to everyone and especially to everyone - the determination, bravery and strength of women - something that moved us all and made us hugely proud. In the high-tech worlds, the current situation is that where we see growth and growth of women in key positions, we see stagnation and even going backwards. In the world in general and in Israel in particular, we still witness discrimination: of the investors, only 5% are female angels, only 15% of the partners in venture capital funds are women, and only 15% of the ventures have women entrepreneurs - compared to about 25% in Europe and the US. We must put This is on the table everywhere and in every discussion, this is an overarching goal that must have a place in every discourse.'
"Precisely in this period and in view of what we have been through in recent months, the minority of women in industry, in academia and in key positions in the business world is an unacceptable situation that must be corrected and improved," said Marian Cohen, chairman of the Israeli High-Tech Association of the Manufacturers Association. "This fact adds to the phenomenon of a desperate minority of women also in the public sector and certainly in the political leadership in Israel. Women make a significant contribution to the business sector in Israel and the hi-tech industry In particular, their place around the tables where decisions are made is critical. A company that is not educated to properly utilize the capabilities of all its human capital is a company that is lacking, and this directly affects its ability to thrive and realize its full potential. It is our duty to break the glass ceiling and remove the barriers What women face from integrating as equals alongside men in all avenues of senior management.'
