In an exclusive report, Felice Friedson of The Media Line explores the groundbreaking efforts of women from Israel’s Bedouin and Druze communities who are entering the high-tech industry while maintaining their cultural traditions. These women, once restricted by societal norms, are now forging careers in technology through innovative, women-only tech hubs designed to align with their religious and social values.
In Daliyat al-Karmel, the Lotus Women’s High-Tech Hub, founded by Maysa Halabi Alshiekh, provides a unique space where Druze women can develop careers in tech while working remotely, allowing them to balance professional ambitions with family and religious obligations. Similarly, in the Bedouin village of Zarzir, Samana, founded by Bushra Mazreeb, is offering training and employment opportunities to Bedouin women, many of whom had limited career prospects.
These hubs not only provide economic independence but also challenge traditional expectations, inspiring a new generation of young women to explore careers in technology. Women like Reem Kadmani and Sally Hamdan, featured in the report, share their personal journeys of overcoming barriers and embracing new opportunities in coding and software development.
Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, has endorsed the initiative, signaling a shift in attitudes toward women’s participation in the workforce. Despite initial resistance, many families now support their daughters’ ambitions, recognizing the economic and social benefits of their careers.
To learn more about these transformative initiatives and hear firsthand experiences from the women leading this change, read the full article and watch the video report by Felice Friedson.