In the wake of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the global community is called to action under the theme “Accelerate Action” to push forward gender equality initiatives. Despite strides made in recent years, the World Economic Forum still projects that reaching full gender parity will take until 2158 if progress continues at the current pace. This slow trajectory is deemed unacceptable, sparking the need for urgent and decisive steps to break down systemic barriers and biases hindering gender equality across personal and professional spheres.
When considering the realm of cybersecurity, one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, gender diversity remains a significant issue. In 2022, women held only 25% of cybersecurity jobs, with forecasts suggesting a marginal increase to 30% by 2025. However, the scarcity of leadership positions for women, particularly in the UK, signals the need for meaningful growth beyond entry-level roles to positions of influence and decision-making.
In light of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives facing challenges amid shifting global political landscapes, maintaining a dialogue on gender equality is paramount. Industry leaders must strategize on sustaining progress and counteracting potential regression in diverse hiring practices and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Liz Harvey, Director of Product Research at Huntress, advocates for stepping outside comfort zones and embracing diversity in all its aspects to facilitate personal and professional growth. By challenging norms and promoting inclusivity, Harvey underscores the value of rejecting sameness and cultivating a culture where intolerance is deemed unacceptable.
Joy Burkholder Meier, General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer at Black Duck, echoes the sentiment of venturing out of comfort zones as a catalyst for career advancement. Drawing on her experiences, Meier emphasizes the importance of mentorship, problem-solving, and diligent work ethic in navigating career trajectories and standing out in competitive landscapes.
Highlighting the historical relevance of International Women’s Day, Dr. Ksenia Peguero, Director of Software Engineering at Black Duck, reflects on the holiday’s significance in Russia and other countries that have observed it for over a century. Against the backdrop of persistent gender disparities in pay, leadership opportunities, and home responsibilities, Peguero stresses the continued relevance of the day in addressing these issues and advancing women’s rights.
Aditi Gupta, Senior Manager of Professional Services Consulting at Black Duck, recounts the slow yet steady progress of women in STEM fields. With companies boasting diverse leadership known to outperform financially by 25%, initiatives like the Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Black Duck play a crucial role in bridging gender gaps and promoting diversity in the tech industry.
Zoya Schaller, Director of Compliance at Keeper Security, underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in safeguarding women from online threats and cybercrime. By increasing female representation in cybersecurity, Schaller notes the transformative impact of diverse perspectives in combating cyber threats and fostering innovative problem-solving approaches.
Carla Roncato, VP of Identity at WatchGuard Technologies, sheds light on the importance of digitally verifiable identification in enhancing identity protection and providing broader access to essential services. Emphasizing the opportunities in Digital Identity for women, Roncato encourages participation in technology and security careers to drive impactful change.
In the context of data protection, Catarina Santos, Data Protection Consultant at Data Protection People, emphasizes the pivotal role women play in shaping policies and safeguarding data security. Teresa Jose and Natalia Lewandowska, consultants at Pentest People, share their experiences and aspirations in the cybersecurity field, highlighting the need for more women to explore careers in this space.
As the call for collective action reverberates in the fight for gender equality, women in cybersecurity and beyond are urged to continue advocating for inclusivity, challenging biases, and accelerating progress. With the cybersecurity industry exemplifying the benefits of diverse teams in achieving better outcomes and enhancing problem-solving capabilities, the time for action is now. The urgency to bridge gender gaps and drive change is paramount in navigating towards a more equitable and inclusive society.