September 1 is International Women in Cyber Day
Day for celebration and call to action
September 1 marks a significant occasion in the global calendar—International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD). Established to honour the achievements and contributions of women in cybersecurity, this day serves as both a celebration and a call to action for greater inclusion and recognition in a field traditionally dominated by men.
The theme of IWCD 2024 is ‘Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: The Role of Women in Shaping Tomorrow’s Security.’
Celebration, reflection, and action
International Women in Cyber Day, observed annually on September 1, was first highlighted as a global movement to recognise the strides made by women in the cybersecurity sector.
This year’s celebration emphasises women’s accomplishments and the ongoing and crucial efforts to bridge gender gaps in the industry.
IWCD is an opportunity to spotlight women’s critical roles in cyber and cybersecurity. It brings attention to their successes, the barriers they have overcome, and the innovative contributions they continue to make to protect and advance digital spaces worldwide.
Empowering women globally
The impact of IWCD extends beyond recognition. It is crucial in inspiring the next generation of female cybersecurity professionals. Events and discussions on this day often focus on mentoring, networking opportunities, and sharing knowledge to help young women enter and thrive in this high-demand field.
In many regions, including Africa, the day is also used to address specific challenges women face in tech and advocate for increased support and resources.
UAE perspective
Mareva Koulamallah, former Head of Marketing and Communications for a global cybersecurity company and currently Founder and CEO of a UAE-based consultancy, said: “Cybersecurity is an intriguing sector; on the one hand, it can be highly challenging, and at the same time, it is becoming increasingly accessible to people with fewer technical skills, opening new possibilities for individuals and businesses.
“It is key to be at least knowledgeable about cybersecurity basics for personal and professional matters. Additionally, seeing more women joining the space is great, but much work remains. ISC2 reported that women held 25% of cybersecurity jobs globally in 2022, up from 20% in 2019 and around 10% in 2013. Therefore, I strongly encourage leaders to give back and mentor the next talents, especially young girls,” Koulamallah added.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite significant progress, the cybersecurity industry still faces challenges regarding gender diversity. Women remain underrepresented in technical roles and leadership positions, and addressing this imbalance is a crucial focus of IWCD.
The day is a platform for discussing these challenges and developing strategies to create more inclusive work environments. Initiatives include promoting STEM education for girls, supporting women through professional development, and encouraging companies to adopt more inclusive hiring practices.
Spotlight on achievements
This year’s IWCD is marked by various events celebrating women’s contributions to cybersecurity. The day highlights women’s vital role in the field, from workshops and panel discussions to awards recognising outstanding female professionals.
For instance, companies and organisations worldwide are sharing stories of women who have made significant impacts, fostering greater visibility and recognition for their work.
Lynn Dohm, Executive Director of Women in Cybersecurity, noted: “Celebrating women in cyber is an important way to recognise the invaluable contributions women make to the cybersecurity industry.”
Looking forward
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, the importance of diverse perspectives becomes increasingly apparent. IWCD not only celebrates past achievements but also looks forward to future advancements.
The day is an opportunity to reaffirm commitments to gender diversity and to promote policies and practices that support women’s continued success in the field.
The dialogue sparked by International Women in Cyber Day encourages ongoing efforts to ensure women’s voices are heard and valued in all areas of cybersecurity. It calls on industry leaders, educational institutions, and policymakers to support initiatives that promote gender equality and to create environments where everyone can thrive.
Conclusion
International Women in Cyber Day is more than just a celebration; it is a pivotal moment for reflection and action. By honouring women’s achievements in cybersecurity and addressing their ongoing challenges, IWCD helps pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the digital world.
As we mark this day, it is clear that while progress has been made, the journey towards full gender parity in cybersecurity is ongoing and requires continued commitment from all sectors.
Featured image: Companies are urged to adopt more inclusive hiring practices. Credit: Vardan Papikyan
Last Updated on 3 months by Dan Ngiam
