Navigating Change From Within: The Impact and Challenges of a Women’s Virtual Community in Transforming Gender Dynamics in the Israel Defense Forces

This case study of professional military women examines the impact of women-based Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoPs) on changing gender dynamics in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Through interviews and focus groups with 14 community members, we explored how a virtual community evolved to influence military culture and practices. Our findings revealed three main themes: First, the community had a profound impact on military mothers’ professional lives through mutual support and knowledge sharing. Second, the community influenced existing organizational narratives by creating frameworks for personal solutions and expanding professional networks. Third, the transition from covert information sharing to becoming an influential voice in military discourse involved complex dynamic. The study highlights the significant role of VCoPs in leading gender-oriented organizational change and furthering the understanding of gender dynamics and bottom-up change in organizations. This case study demonstrates how informal networks can effectively influence organizational practices while operating within institutional boundaries.