Safaa, a 25-year-old finance professional from Morocco, always dreamt of transitioning into the field of information technology (IT). However, she lacked guidance and support until she discovered FemForward, an Israeli career-advancement Program.
FemForward aims to empower women in junior high-tech positions by providing them with the necessary tools, networking opportunities, and personal mentorship. Since 2020, over 100 Israeli women have participated in the program, with many experiencing immediate salary raises or job promotions.
To expand its global impact, FemForward’s co-founder, Rachel Wagner Rosenzweig, worked with her team to bring the program to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The initial location chosen was Morocco, with plans to extend to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The program in Morocco involved a condensed three-day version of the usual one-month curriculum, with workshops led by Israeli and local lecturers. Topics covered included mindset, communication skills, and handling difficult conversations at work.
An Israeli team, which included Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, and Gila Tolub, an independent business development growth adviser, provided lectures in English. Other activities included cultural tours, dancing nights, and networking sessions.
Participants and mentors continued to meet online after the in-person seminar until the Moroccans were able to travel to Israel for further engagement.
Safaa expressed her excitement about the program, highlighting the skills she learned in Morocco, particularly in negotiation and self-assertion. She emphasized the bonds formed between participants from different backgrounds and the warm welcome she received in Israel.
The program matched mentors and mentees based on their respective fields and needs. Maissa Ballout, an Israeli Christian Arab and FemForward mentor, emphasized the importance of establishing real relationships through mentorship, regardless of cultural or religious backgrounds.
One of Ballout’s mentees, Selma El Antari, a co-founder of a Moroccan company producing certified kosher products, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. She gained valuable insights into managing her team, developing her company, and negotiating with potential investors.
For Houda, a software engineer consultant, FemForward was a perfect fit for women in tech looking to advance their careers. The program provided the necessary support and guidance to help her reach new heights.
FemForward’s expansion to the Mena Region has created a path for women in tech to overcome challenges and become leaders in the industry. Through mentorship, empowerment, and solidarity, FemForward is transforming the professional landscape for women in the region.
The post FemForward: Empowering Women in Tech in the MENA Region appeared first on TS2 SPACE.
