Inspiring Women and Girls in Cybersecurity: The See It, Be It Campaign in Scotland
In a significant move to address the gender imbalance in the cybersecurity sector, a new campaign has been launched in Scotland aimed at inspiring more women and girls to consider careers in this critical field. The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland has partnered with cybersecurity giants Fortinet and Accenture to spearhead the See It, Be It initiative, which seeks to tackle the underrepresentation of females in cybersecurity roles.
The Need for Change
Despite the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, women currently represent only 17% of the UK’s cybersecurity workforce. This stark statistic highlights the urgent need for initiatives that not only encourage female participation but also provide the necessary support and resources to foster their growth in the industry. The See It, Be It campaign aims to bridge this gap by creating a more inclusive environment for women and girls interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
Strategic Partnerships
The involvement of Fortinet and Accenture as strategic partners is a significant boost for the campaign. Both organizations have established reputations for promoting diversity in technology and are committed to developing a skilled and inclusive cybersecurity workforce. Their collaboration with the Cyber and Fraud Centre will facilitate a range of events, mentorship programs, and career exploration activities designed to inspire young women across Scotland.
Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am delighted that Accenture and Fortinet have come on board to help us in our mission around getting more girls and women into cybersecurity. There is lots of talk in Scotland around getting more women and girls involved in the sector, but we need action. With the support of these organizations, we won’t just talk the talk, but we’ll walk the walk.”
Commitment to Diversity
Fortinet’s regional manager for Scotland, David McKeand, emphasized the importance of attracting new talent to the cybersecurity field. “As the skills gap widens and employers worldwide struggle to fill critical roles with the necessary professionals, attracting new talent to the field has never been more vital,” he noted. This local partnership is part of Fortinet’s global commitment to addressing the shortage of cybersecurity skills, and McKeand is eager to inspire young girls to explore careers in this dynamic and evolving sector.
Accenture’s Scotland cyber lead, Freha Arshad, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company’s initiatives aimed at expanding the cyber workforce. “As part of our Cyber Million program launched in June 2023, we are delighted to support the building of cyber skills locally in Scotland to protect our digital future and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation,” she stated.
Engaging Events and Initiatives
The campaign recently hosted the See It, Be It ‘Cyber Ladies Afternoon Tea,’ which garnered praise from students, educators, and professionals alike. Attendees described the experience as eye-opening and encouraging, with many noting that it was “exactly the kind of initiative needed to break down stereotypes.” Such events are crucial for providing young women with role models and a supportive community as they consider careers in cybersecurity.
Building Pathways for the Future
The See It, Be It campaign is not just about raising awareness; it is about creating tangible pathways for women and girls to enter the cybersecurity field. By offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences, the initiative aims to empower the next generation of female cybersecurity professionals.
To learn more about the See It, Be It initiative and read feedback from the Cyber Ladies Afternoon Tea, visit the Cyber and Fraud Centre’s blog here.
Conclusion
The See It, Be It campaign represents a vital step forward in addressing the gender imbalance in cybersecurity. With the support of Fortinet and Accenture, the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland is committed to inspiring and empowering women and girls to pursue careers in this essential field. As the demand for cybersecurity talent continues to grow, initiatives like this are crucial for fostering diversity and ensuring a robust and inclusive workforce for the future.