Neema women speak their mind on International Women's Day

For #IWD2024, we caught up with the amazing women of Neema to hear what drives and inspires them.

What message would you like to send to young girls dreaming of success?

My journey to success was challenging but driven by a passion for creating. Despite a rough start in design studies and moments of doubt, my love for the craft and belief in myself led to great success. The journey to employment was tough, yet it solidified my identity as a designer and made my dreams a reality. To all young girls dreaming of success: believe in yourselves. With a bit of faith, you can achieve anything.

Who is a female role model in your eyes and why?

This year's Women's Day feels different for me. I find it impossible to ignore what's been happening in Israel over the past few months and the incredible people, especially women, who have come into the public consciousness.

Meirav Leshem Gonen is an inspirational woman. Her daughter Romy has been kidnapped in Gaza for over four months. Since the first day of the war, Meirav has been active on every media channel, constantly explaining and raising awareness about the situation and the tragedy of the hostages.

She not only shares her personal story but also demonstrates extraordinary superpowers, strength, and mental resilience. She's spreading awareness of her pain along with the belief that anything is possible.

Meirav is my role model these days. I hope and pray for the safe return of all the hostages as soon as possible.

What message would you like to send to young girls dreaming of success?

I would like to tell young girls to never give up on their biggest dreams, to remember that nothing will come if you just sit back - achieving a dream is only in their hands! But even if you don't succeed - it's not the end, it's just the beginning of something new.

Who is a female role model in your eyes and why?

It's my mother, who taught me to love people, to give love to your children. The way you treat others will reflect on how they treat you.

Who is a woman from history you find most fascinating?

Golda Meir is the woman from history I find most fascinating. Contrary to popular belief, the Yom Kippur War occurred not because of her mistakes but due to her courage. Despite being one woman against many men in key positions who underestimated her, Golda stood firm, and her leadership contributed to Israel's victory. I admire her because she exemplifies that a woman should stand her ground when confident in her decision, supported by proper knowledge, even when outnumbered in opinions.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?

During my B.A studies, I discovered my deep passion for the tech industry, especially after meeting inspiring entrepreneurs who were making waves in various fields. Product management feels like the perfect fit for me because it's all about creativity, innovation, and taking on real-world challenges with a fresh perspective.

What message would you like to send to young girls dreaming of success?

In the job market and in the army, certain roles are often labeled by gender. For example, 'secretary' is typically seen as a female job, while 'programmer' is often viewed as a male role. However, we should not let these labels limit us. I chose to pursue a profession that is typically described in masculine terms.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received from another woman?

A woman dear to my heart once told me, "There are times when things go wrong for the right reasons." It made me realize that I can't control everything. I need to do my best and pursue my dreams without fearing the bumps along the way.

Who is a female role model in your eyes and why?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a female role model in my eyes because she was an American judge who fought for women's rights from a young age. She dedicated her entire life to the field of law, working both as a lawyer and a judge. A famous quote of hers is, "What I ask of men is that they take their feet off our necks."

If you could have dinner with any woman, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with any woman, it would be Princess Diana. She was such a special lady, really amazing. There's something about her face, her smile, and how she still has an impact even though she's not here anymore.

How do you stay motivated and positive in challenging times?

When things get challenging every now and again, what works for me is staying focused and keep going.

Who in your life has been the biggest influence on your personal growth?

My dearest parents have believed in me since I can remember, encouraging me to have independent opinions about everything. They gave me the tools and freedom to express myself and make influential decisions from a very young age. They have respected my opinions and made me feel significant. Their approach made me aim high in all aspects of life. Today, as a mother, I am implementing this approach with my amazing daughter.

What message would you like to send to young girls dreaming of success?

Be you, be loyal to yourself, be good to yourself as you are good to others.

Believe in yourself! Believe in yourself, your abilities, and your journey, you can do and achieve anything you want.

Who is a female role model in your eyes and why?

My mother is my role model, Dr. Ayala Kadusi. After 20 years as a kindergarten teacher and earning a PhD in education, she decided that was not enough. She went on to develop more than 10 games that aid in early childhood development and now leads a community of over 20 thousand people. From a young age, she taught me never to give up on myself and that there’s nothing I can’t achieve if I just believe in myself. Alongside all this, she is raising four children and maintaining a happy relationship with my father. Watching her reinvent herself repeatedly has taught me to be who I am today.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?

I discovered that my true passion is creating and always learning something new. Bringing wonderful things to life that weren't there before makes me happy. My journey went through mastering the world of physical Design, and then transitioning to Marketing, Social Media, and digital creation, where there's no limit to what can be achieved.

What message would you like to send to young girls dreaming of success?

To all the young girls dreaming for success, remember to follow your interest and believe in yourself, the road will not be easy there will be setbacks, bumps even U-turns accept it with grace and learn from it, one way or another you will get there. So don’t give up, keep going and keep the faith.

What experiences have shaped you into the woman you are today?

The most influential moments in my life that have made me proud of who I am include: moving to a new country, learning a new language, graduating from university, getting my driver's license, happily getting married, and the birth of my children. Additionally, I specialized in a new field of professional education, which reminds me of my strength and ability to grow and develop.

My motto: "Nothing is too hard, I can and am capable of doing everything!"

How can women show kindness to each other in small ways that really count?

I believe that women can empower each other through small yet impactful acts of kindness. Celebrating achievements, actively listening, and fostering mentorship not only create a supportive community but also contribute to building confidence. These small gestures not only build a supportive community but also boost confidence, contributing to a positive and uplifting work environment.

Who is a female role model in your eyes and why?

I draw inspiration from the singer Narkis because she shows the world that you don't need to dress revealingly to be appreciated in the music industry. She is a very modest singer who has maintained her values even after becoming famous, and that truly warms my heart.

I see her as a role model because she is a strong woman who, despite being Orthodox, has still fulfilled her dream of becoming a singer.