In the ever-evolving cybersecurity industry, women remain significantly under-represented. This lack of representation deprives the cybersecurity field of diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and unique talents. 

According to the GCF thought leadership report on “Empowering Women to Work in Cybersecurity is a Win-Win”, there is a global shortage of 4 million cybersecurity professionals globally. It also mentions that 75% of the cyber workforce are men while 22% of female STEM students say they could be interested in cybersecurity careers.

To address these challenges and create a more balanced and thriving cybersecurity community, the GCF  is in charge of implmenting “The Women Empowerment in Cyberspace” instated by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

The initiative comprises five key strategic objectives along the value chain to promote gender equality and inclusivity within cybersecurity. The strategic objectives encompass a comprehensive set of twelve projects to be implemented globally. The strategic objectives and projects are:

• Expanding the pipeline: Educate K-12 girls in cybersecurity and encourage them to pursue STEM in higher education to expand the cybersecurity pipeline. The objective encourages and facilitates increased female participation in cybersecurity-related fields through educational and professional pathways. The initiative conducts the following projects:

• • Advocate for the incorporation of a cybersecurity curriculum in K-12 education
  • Facilitate a cybersecurity junior mentorship program for middle school and high school girls

• Raising awareness and recognition: Raise global awareness of cybersecurity as a profession, address negative gender stereotypes, and create a global dialogue on the necessity of empowering women in cybersecurity and recognizing impactful achievements. It elevates the visibility of women's contributions to cybersecurity and advocates for their rightful place within the industry. The initiative conducts the following projects:

• • Develop a form of popular media to foster a positive image of women in cybersecurity
  • Facilitate online training and tools to tackle gender bias and discrimination
  • Launch a Global WEC Summit and award

• Recruiting and upskilling talent: Providing support and resources to attract, train, and empower women pursuing careers in cybersecurity. Recruit more women into cybersecurity by being a global voice for progressive recruitment policies, funding cybersecurity certification scholarships, and facilitating
  hire-to-train programs to generate more demand. The initiative conducts the following projects:

• • Fund incentives for firms to recruit and upskill female candidates and fund STEM and non-STEM female specialization in cyber 
  • Advocate for progressive recruitment policies and female recruitment targets

• Retaining middle managers: Implementing measures to ensure the retention and advancement of women in mid-level managerial positions. Retain more female workers in cybersecurity globally by championing gender-friendly and family-friendly laws and workplace policies, including policies unique to cybersecurity. The initiative conducts the following projects:

• • Advocate for national laws that promote the retention and safety of women and facilitate corporate workplace commitments to cybersecurity 
  • Advocate for targeted female sponsorship within organizations
  • Develop a career development and leadership program for women in cybersecurity

• Advancing to leadership: Creating opportunities and pathways for women to ascend to executive and leadership roles within cybersecurity organizations. Propel more mid-to-senior female cybersecurity workers into executive positions by orchestrating global mentorship and sponsorship tailored to cybersecurity roles. The initiative conducts the following project:

• • Establish a dedicated fund for women entrepreneurs and startups in cybersecurity 

By recognizing the invaluable contributions and potential of women in cybersecurity, this initiative not only aims to expand the talent pool but also fosters a more inclusive and innovative cybersecurity community.