Advancing women’s participation and leadership in cybersecurity is critical for cyber resilience worldwide. To strengthen global action, the Women in Cyber Awards - an initiative by GCF with the support of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UN Women – is recognizing excellence in strengthening women’s participation, leadership, and impact in cybersecurity.

Women currently make up 24% of the cybersecurity workforce – a challenge that contributes to a persistent global talent gap of 2.8 million professionals, with implications for global security, economic stability, and technological innovation.

The latest report by GCF and Duke University, “Bridging the Gender Gap in Cybersecurity”, further noted that the barriers for women to enter and advance in the sector begin early and persist across every career stage.

Aiming to shine a global spotlight on organizations driving change, the Women in Cyber Awards are raising recognition and awareness of effective efforts to support women’s career progression in cybersecurity worldwide.

The Awards are part of the Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity (WEC) global initiative, instated by HRH Prince the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and implemented by GCF to strengthen global cyber resilience by contributing to efforts to increase women’s participation and close the talent gap.

The “Women’s Cyber Empowerment Champion” category is now open to organizations worldwide across the public and private sectors, academia, and non-governmental sector, recognizing their contributions to women’s long-term success in cybersecurity through measurable and sustainable initiatives delivered over the past two years.

Winners are selected by a jury panel based on demonstrated impact in four areas: early talent development (Pipeline Builder Award); visibility and recognition (Advocacy Champion Award); upskilling & middle management support (Workforce Enablement Award); and executive growth & women-led ventures (Leadership and Entrepreneurship Award).

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a registered legal entity as an independent organization, institution, company, NGO, academic body, investor, or public-sector entity
• The organization’s efforts must have demonstrated measurable reach and influence within the past 24 months

Key dates

• Application deadline: 1 July 2026
• Winner Announcement details to follow

How to apply

Applications for the Women's Cyber Empowerment Champion category are open to organizations worldwide.

1. Review the award tracks: Read the track criteria to identify which best reflects your organization's work and impact.
2. Complete the online form: Fill in the application form on this website, demonstrating measurable impact delivered over the past two years.
3. Submit before 1 July: Submit your completed form by 1 July 2026. Shortlisted organizations will be contacted ahead of the jury process.

Please note: Applicants must include all relevant programs under the selected track; organizations may apply to multiple tracks but are eligible for winning only one award; if multiple submissions are made within the same track, only the latest will be evaluated

For more details on eligibility, submissions, and the selection process, read the FAQs

Award tracks: 

The Pipeline Builder Award

(Early Talent Development)

Recognizes organizations that create early pathways into cybersecurity for girls and young women.

Eligible Organization

• Organizations that provide programs that build early cybersecurity interest and skills for girls and young women prior to workforce entry, including education programs, bootcamps, or internships, with evidence of contribution to developing future cybersecurity professionals

The Advocacy Champion Award

(Visibility and Recognition)

Recognizes organizations that strengthen the visibility and inclusion of women in cybersecurity.

Eligible Organization

• Organizational efforts that are intentionally designed to support women in cybersecurity through targeted awareness, visibility, inclusion, community, or policy efforts

The Workforce Enablement Award

(Upskilling and Middle Management Support)

Recognizes organizations that help women enter, grow in, and remain in cybersecurity roles.

Eligible Organization

• Organizations that provide programs that support women’s entry, retention, and progression in the cybersecurity workforce, including upskilling programs, career transition pathways, or mentorship initiatives

The Leadership & Entrepreneurship Award

(Executive Growth and Women-Led Ventures)

Recognizes organizations that support women in advancing into cybersecurity leadership and entrepreneurship.

Eligible Organization

• Organizations that provide programs that enable women to advance into cybersecurity leadership roles or develop entrepreneurship capabilities, including leadership development programs, executive sponsorship, or innovation initiatives