IWD 2025: The Opportunities We Keep Missing—And Why It’s Time to Take Them

Every International Women's Day, we celebrate progress, and rightfully so. More women than ever are leading businesses, holding executive roles, and breaking into once-exclusive industries. But beyond the achievements, there are opportunities we continue to miss—not because of external barriers, but because we hesitate to take that first step.

In fields where the playing field was relatively equal—where everyone had the same opportunity to start from scratch—we still see a gender gap. The AI revolution is a prime example. And when it comes to business networking and collaboration, we still see too many women holding back, undervaluing their ability to build professional relationships.

So how do we move forward? How do we make 2025 the year we stop waiting and start acting?

The AI Revolution: A Level Playing Field, Yet Women Are Still Falling Behind

Artificial Intelligence is one of the most disruptive technological advancements of our time. Unlike other industries where decades of experience dictate expertise, AI was a fresh start. When generative AI tools became mainstream, everyone—regardless of gender, background, or seniority—had the same chance to explore, learn, and lead.

And yet, despite this equal starting point, the numbers reveal that women are still lagging behind:

• Only 35% of women use AI tools like ChatGPT or MidJourney daily, compared to 54% of men.
• Women account for just 20% of AI researchers and 26% of the global AI workforce.
• In Israel, 36% of tech employees are women, but 60% of them hold non-technical roles, missing out on AI-driven innovation.
• The irony? AI is set to impact 80% of women in the workforce, compared to 60% of men, largely because women are overrepresented in roles most likely to be disrupted by automation.

We've seen trailblazing women shaping the AI industry, such as Mira Murati, the former CTO of OpenAI, who led the development of ChatGPT and DALL-E. But too many women haven't yet taken the first step—they haven't explored AI tools, experimented with prompts, or engaged with the technology that is already reshaping the world around them.

This isn't about blaming or shaming, it's about realizing the power we have. The AI revolution isn't over, and there's still time to get in. But waiting on the sidelines while others build the future means missing the chance to be part of that future.

But AI is only one example. The hesitation we see here reflects a broader pattern—one that extends beyond technology and into everyday professional interactions.

Women as Natural Connectors: Building Relationships Everywhere—Except Where It Counts

Women are natural connectors. We instinctively know how to form relationships—with teachers, neighbors, shop owners, and parents of our children's friends. We easily navigate social circles and create support networks in our personal lives. Yet, when it comes to business networking, professional mingling, and career growth, many of us hesitate. Too often, we stand back at industry events, not initiating conversations, not following up on opportunities, and not leveraging the very skills that come so naturally elsewhere.

This hesitation isn't just about networking, it's also about how we perceive each other in professional settings. Studies show that women often hesitate to trust female colleagues, question the leadership of women managers more than they would a male counterpart, and sometimes fall into workplace dynamics that reinforce the very stereotypes we wish to dismantle.

The outdated "women competing against women" stereotype has persisted for too long, often holding us back from the collaboration and support we truly need. It's time to shift the narrative and focus on lifting each other up, creating stronger professional networks, and driving real opportunities for growth.

The first step is acknowledging that we already have these skills—we just need to apply them in professional settings. And the best way to start? By showing up, engaging, and making deliberate connections.

Starting 2025 Differently

This International Women's Day, let's stop waiting for others to create opportunities for us. Let's build them ourselves. Let's be the women who take the first step—whether it's learning a new technology, making that business connection, or actively supporting female colleagues.

At NimbuSummIT 2025, we decided to turn words into action. We mingled, built partnerships, and actively worked on creating a culture of business collaboration. The first step is always the hardest, but once you take it, the next one comes naturally.

This year, we are not waiting. We are starting differently.