This year ’ s theme is # AccelerateAction , with data from the World Economic Forum suggesting that it will take until 2158 – roughly five generations from now – to reach full gender parity .

The theme emphasises the importance of taking decisive and fast steps to reach gender equality , calling for urgency to address the ‘ systemic barriers and biases that women face ’ both professionally and personally .

According to ISC2 , the percentage of women in the industry is likely in the range of 20 % to 25 %, with hopes that this number will increase as more young people enter the industry .

Women are still vastly under-represented across most industries , particularly when it comes to leadership roles and , with diversity a hot topic globally right now , it ’ s important to recognise the role of women in enabling organisations to thrive through providing diverse skillsets and perspectives .

Across the cybersecurity sector , there are numerous initiatives set up to champion women . Recently , UK-based Eskenzi PR hosted its annual Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards at BT Tower in London , featuring an insightful panel discussion focused on how to keep conversations on diversity going forward and organisations avoiding a regress in attitudes to diverse hiring .

Community Manager at LT Harper , and organiser of its InClusive InCyber initiative ; Illyana Mullins , Founder of WiTCH ; Dr . Iretioluwa Akerele , Founder of CyBlack ; Danu Sivapalan , Senior Product Manager , Identity & Access Management , at Sainsbury ’ s , and Head of Partnerships at WiCyS UK & I Affiliate ; and Yvonne Eskenzi , co-founder and CEO of Eskenzi PR and chair of the panel .

The top five takeaways from that panel including continuing to push for DEI initiatives and holding organisations accountable ; joining women ’ s groups to have a potentially bigger difference in the workplace ; mentor and be mentored ; and ‘ aim for the top seat ’ to ensure better representation at C-level and Board Level .

Zoya Schaller , Director of Compliance , Keeper Security , also provided insight into her experience as a woman in cyber .

Why is cybersecurity important for the modern woman ?

Generally , women face higher rates of cybercrime , online harassment and privacy violations . Most modern women now have some form of online presence , understanding cybersecurity basics is crucial for protecting personal information and maintaining control over digital identities .

Cybersecurity awareness can help women navigate online spaces more safely and confidently for themselves and their children .

The cybersecurity field also offers exciting career opportunities for women , combining interesting challenges with excellent compensation and rapid growth potential . By joining this field , women can both protect their own digital lives and help safeguard others . Their diverse perspectives and approaches to problemsolving strengthen the industry ’ s ability to combat cyberthreats more effectively .

Zoya Schaller , Director of Compliance , Keeper Security

Panellists included Dr . Runli Guo , Founder and CEO of AI Dionic ; Aymun Lashari ,

When cybersecurity teams include different viewpoints and experiences , they develop more comprehensive and innovative solutions to security challenges .

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