Iron Swords Women’s Employment Program

Empowering women to create new futures for themselves and their families after the war.

War changed everything. But it didn’t take away these women’s strength. The Iron Swords Program helps women who’ve lost homes, jobs, or stability rebuild their lives with purpose. Through tech training, business support, and career coaching, they gain the tools to re-enter the workforce, restore income, and create new futures for their families.

The Challenge

Since 2025, thousands of women across Israel’s northern and southern peripheries have seen their lives uprooted by the ongoing war. Many were forced to flee their homes, lost stable jobs overnight, or became sole breadwinners when partners were drafted into military service. For some, “home” is still a temporary shelter; for others, the long road to economic recovery has only just begun.

Women in High-Tech: Untapped Potential

  • Women are half the population. Yet they make up just 33.5% of the high-tech workforce. 33.5% 33.5%
  • In R&D and leadership. Women hold 26.5% of R&D jobs and 17.6% of senior roles. 26.5% 26.5%
  • High-tech powers ~20% of Israel’s economy 20% 20%
  • High-tech powers over 50% of exports 50% 50%

This isn’t symbolic; it’s economic.

Closing the gender gap in high-tech strengthens innovation, boosts GDP, and expands opportunity.  A modest +5 percentage point rise in women’s participation would add ~20,000 women to Israel’s high-tech workforce.

Our Solution

We offer these women practical tools and a renewed sense of hope. Our program equips them with in-demand tech skills, vital soft skills, and personalized coaching — all designed to help them re-enter the workforce or rebuild their small businesses, often through remote work that suits their new realities.

Inside the Program

Participants receive a comprehensive 5-month support package, including:

 

  • Practical Tech Skills: In-demand courses like Quality Assurance, designed for remote jobs with hiring partners ready to bring them on board.
  • Career Workshops: Sessions to boost confidence, build job-readiness, and strengthen communication and interview skills.
  • Entrepreneur Support: For women business owners whose income was hit hard, we provide training in social media marketing to help them reach new customers online.
  • Personal Coaching: One-on-one guidance to navigate the job market and plan long-term careers.

Our Impact So Far

women trained and empowered through three cohorts

%

graduation rate — despite major life disruptions

%

have secured remote jobs or entered job pipelines — on track to reach 75% placement

%

women report increased digital confidence, greater financial stability, and hope for the future

Stories of Resilience

“My name is Lauren G. I’m married with two children and I live in Akko in the north. I have a master’s degree and for 16 years I ran a medical lab for Maccabi, where I gained a lot of practical experience. But I have always wanted to have a career in graphic design, branding, and marketing. That was my passion, and I hoped one day to open a business that I love.
I had a dream but not many tools. I took a few short trainings I could afford but ended up without a sufficient professional path and with a part-time job that was barely making ends meet.
When I came across the itworks opportunity, I felt that I had come to the right place. itworks opened a professional path I could not have dreamed of: a full course on social media management with excellent instructors, for just a nominal fee of 600 shekels for a course that costs thousands!
The course was professional and thorough, but in addition, I received wonderful, caring, and professional attention from the itworks staff. They helped me find new clients, far beyond the technical instructions I received in the course. I felt completely embraced, knowing I was in good hands with people who wanted me to succeed.
I am very grateful to itworks and to whoever made this program possible. This program opened for me a new world of opportunities, and today I work as a freelance social marketing professional with private clients, where I can enjoy secure income and manage my time while raising my kids. Thank you!”

Lauren G.

“My name is Chen Z., and I am 28 years old with a bachelor’s degree. After being personally affected by the war situation in the south and feeling torn between my hometown and my family, I found myself in a challenging situation.
I returned to Netivot last August and began my job search, but unfortunately, I was unable to find a suitable position.
One day, I came across a technology course offered by itworks, which seemed like a real opportunity. The course not only provided me with high-level technological training but also focused on working in an educational environment with children — a field I deeply believe in.
The program was subsidized and very affordable, which allowed me to enroll and embark on a new path. Thanks to this course, I was not only able to enter the workforce but also found a job that fulfills me, excites me, and allows me to grow.
I am incredibly grateful for the support, guidance, and professional training I received, which enabled me to re-enter the job market after a long period of searching.”

Chen Z.

Eligibility

If you or someone you know has been affected by the ongoing war, you may be eligible for the Iron Swords Women’s Employment Program. This program is for women who:

  • Have been displaced or deeply impacted by the war or want to re-enter the job market
  • Are ready to build new tech skills, boost digital confidence, and find remote work opportunities
  • Live in Israel’s northern, southern, or central regions

Whether you’ve lost your job, your home, or your hope for the future – you don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help you rebuild, one step at a time.

How to Apply

Participation is free for eligible women. To find out about upcoming courses and see if it’s right for you, fill out a short interest form.

Or speak directly with our Women’s Program Manager, Alisa Laniado.

These women need your support

With your support, we can help even more women overcome the economic aftermath of war and create new opportunities for themselves and their families.

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