The Palestinian initiative WE Women, spearheaded by FINOMENA, has achieved international acclaim by winning the Leadership in Tech category at the EQUALS in Tech Awards. Presented during the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2026) in Barcelona, the award recognizes the initiative’s impact in bridging the gender gap within the digital age.
Launched originally on International Women’s Day in 2023, WE Women has evolved from a grassroots concept into a comprehensive movement dedicated to unlocking the potential of women and girls across the tech and entrepreneurial landscape in Palestine.
A Multi-Generational Pathway For Tech Inclusion
The WE Women initiative distinguishes itself through a structured lifecycle approach that engages women at every stage of their professional and educational journey. For young girls aged 13 to 18, the TechSeedlings program introduces STEM pathways and future career possibilities. University students are supported through the UTechLeague, which provides critical mentorship and connections to the professional tech ecosystem.
For established professionals and founders, the initiative facilitates leadership roundtables and community meetups via the NESWA community, ensuring a continuous pipeline of female talent and leadership in the sector.
Collaborative Ecosystem For Digital Equity
The success of the initiative is rooted in a broad coalition of Palestinian partners and institutions. Nominated by the Higher Council for Innovation & Excellence (HCIE), the project is supported by the MTDE Palestine, the Palestinian Information Sciences and Technology Syndicate, and the Palestinian Information Technology Association of Companies (PITA).
Other key collaborators include the Palestine Information and Communication Technology Incubator (PICTI), Intersect, Palestine Techno Park, AlNayzak Organization, and PYALARA. This collaborative framework ensures that the initiative’s resources reach diverse segments of the population, from students to seasoned entrepreneurs.
Global Recognition Of Regional Innovation
Winning the EQUALS in Tech Award—a global partnership for gender equality in the digital age—places the Palestinian tech scene in the international spotlight. The Leadership in Tech category specifically honors those who have demonstrated exceptional results in encouraging women and girls to become creators and leaders in the technology sector. For FINOMENA, this accolade serves as a validation of their “lift as we climb” philosophy, reinforcing the belief that local ecosystem transformation is driven by inclusive, women-led empowerment.
About FINOMENA
Founded in 2021, FINOMENA (Female Innovators & Investors of MENA) is a non-profit organization serving as a one-stop-shop for women entrepreneurs in Palestine. The entity focuses on five strategic pillars: building entrepreneurial capacity, providing incubation services, establishing the first Palestinian Angel Investment Club, creating a supportive knowledge-sharing community, and enhancing global visibility for female founders. By equipping women with 21st-century technical skills and securing fair access to resources, FINOMENA aims to promote gender parity and foster a more sustainable, innovation-based economy.
Source: FINOMENA
