Celebrating International Women in Cyber Day: A Call for Diversity and Inclusion

Every year, on September 1st, the tech world comes together to celebrate International Women in Cyber Day. This year marks the seventh official celebration of this important day, which began in Vancouver in 2019. Since its inception, it has evolved into a significant event on the calendar for professionals in digital security, aiming to highlight the contributions of women in a sector where they remain underrepresented.

The Need for Representation

According to organizers, women make up only 12% of the global cybersecurity workforce, with the figure in Canada being even lower at around 10%. This stark reality underscores the importance of International Women in Cyber Day, which aims to increase visibility for women in the field and inspire the next generation. Events are now held worldwide, ranging from workshops in schools to panel discussions led by major employers. The goal is to showcase what a career in cybersecurity looks like and to provide networking opportunities for those already in the field.

Celebrating This Year’s Activities

This year, companies and community groups are leveraging the day to run training sessions, award scholarships, and connect women with mentors. These initiatives are crucial for building confidence and helping individuals transition into careers that have often felt inaccessible.

Businesses are also using this day to demonstrate their commitment to diversity. Some organizations sponsor events or fund programs, while others highlight the achievements of women already on their security teams, emphasizing that representation is not just possible but essential. Schools and universities are hosting sessions to encourage students to consider cybersecurity as a viable career path.

Elyse Gunn, CISO at Nasuni, emphasizes that cybersecurity is about challenging assumptions. She notes that successful security programs today not only protect systems but also enable innovation. As the industry faces new risks from AI and complex compliance demands, diverse voices are essential for shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Insights from Women in Cybersecurity

To gain further insight into the significance of International Women in Cyber Day, we reached out to several women leaders in the industry. Their perspectives highlight the importance of diversity and mentorship in shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Grainne McKeever, Application Security Expert, Thales

Grainne emphasizes that cybersecurity protects everyone, making a diverse talent pool a strategic necessity. She believes that while the days of a male-dominated cybersecurity field may be fading, there is still much work to be done. Grainne advocates for inspiring young girls to envision themselves in cybersecurity roles and stresses the importance of mentorship in breaking barriers.

Susanne Hasse, Principal Solutions Architect, One Identity

Susanne reflects on her 25-year career in cybersecurity, noting that she has often had to prove herself in male-dominated environments. For her, International Women in Cyber Day is about encouraging women to own their strengths and foster collaborative environments where diversity is not just a checkbox but a core value.

Nicole Reineke, Senior Distinguished AI Product Leader, N-able

Nicole highlights the talent shortage in cybersecurity, which is exacerbated by the rise of AI. She believes that while technology can help alleviate some of these challenges, it requires bold leadership and innovative solutions. Nicole emphasizes the importance of mentorship and creating inclusive teams that can tackle complex challenges.

Stephanie Aceves, Senior Director of Product Management, Tanium

Stephanie points out that while women now make up nearly 30% of entry-level STEM roles, they only account for 12% of C-suite positions. She views this gap as both a challenge and an opportunity. Her advice to women in cybersecurity is to be visible and to actively seek leadership roles. She believes that true change comes when women are sponsored for high-impact projects and leadership opportunities.

The Road Ahead

International Women in Cyber Day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. It is not just a celebration of achievements but a call to action for continued efforts toward diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field. As the industry evolves, it is essential to ensure that women have the opportunities and support they need to lead the charge in shaping a secure digital future.

By fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences, we can build a more resilient and innovative cybersecurity landscape. The actions taken today will determine whether the next generation inherits an industry that truly reflects and protects the society it serves.