Achieving gender equity through tech by Eunice Golloh

Have you ever envisioned a world where men and women have equal access to education, resources, and opportunities? A world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, one that actively prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion? Imagine a time when we truly value and celebrate our differences, using them as a catalyst to advance gender equity.

As we commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, we recognize this annual observance as more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action for gender equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and discrimination toward women. For over a century, this day has served as a platform to raise awareness, challenge systemic biases, and celebrate the achievements of women worldwide.

Innovation and technology have transformed modern economies, fueling growth through knowledge and talent. These advancements offer unparalleled opportunities to break barriers, reach marginalized communities, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly those focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Technology is not only a driver of economic change, but also a key tool for fostering gender equity. It is essential to integrate women’s perspectives into innovation, ensuring that solutions reflect the needs and aspirations of all. Beyond increasing female participation in STEM, we must invest in technology-driven solutions that promote gender equality and empower women in decision-making roles.

However, progress is slow. Systemic barriers continue to hinder women’s advancement in innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. If left unaddressed, these challenges will prevent meaningful change in the near future. To achieve true gender parity by 2030, we must take deliberate, pragmatic steps to bridge the gap and amplify women’s presence in cybersecurity, technology, and innovation. Key steps to drive women’s inclusion in innovation and cybersecurity:

1. Strengthening early education and awareness

   •   Introduce STEM and cybersecurity programs in schools to inspire young girls to explore technology-driven careers.

   •   Promote female role models through mentorship programs, school visits, and guest lectures.

   •   Organize interactive workshops and hands-on activities that highlight the importance of cybersecurity and tech careers.

2. Expanding scholarships and training programs

   •   Increase funding for women-specific scholarships in cybersecurity and technology fields.

   •   Offer free or subsidized training in cybersecurity skills, ethical hacking, and cloud security.

   •   Establish boot camps and workshops tailored to women to bridge the knowledge gap in cybersecurity.

How 21st century women break new grounds – Ms Golloh

3. Enhancing mentorship and networking opportunities

   •   Develop mentorship programs where experienced women in cybersecurity guide and support aspiring professionals.

   •   Encourage participation in women-only cybersecurity conferences, networking events, and discussion panels.

   •   Strengthen affinity groups like Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and the Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) to foster peer connections.

4. Promoting workplace inclusion and career advancement

   •   Advocate for gender-inclusive hiring practices to reduce bias in recruitment.

   •   Implement leadership training programs to support women in climbing the ranks of the cybersecurity sector.

   •   Foster family-friendly workplace policies such as flexible schedules and parental leave to accommodate working mothers.

5. Raising public awareness and advocating for change

   •   Launch public campaigns that spotlight the contributions of women in cybersecurity.

   •   Encourage government-industry partnerships to invest in women-focused initiatives.

   •   Advocate for policy reforms that increase opportunities for women in technology and innovation.

6. Leveraging women’s day as a catalyst for action

   •   Host cybersecurity hackathons for women to encourage hands-on learning and skill-building.

   •   Amplify success stories of women in cybersecurity through media and social platforms.

   •   Organize panel discussions and roundtables to address challenges and solutions for women in tech.

7. Encouraging male allyship

   •   Train male colleagues and leaders on the importance of gender diversity in the workplace.

   •   Establish mentorship programs where men advocate for and support women’s career growth.

   •   Challenge biases and stereotypes that prevent women from advancing in cybersecurity and tech industries.

A call to action

Achieving gender equality in innovation, business, and cybersecurity requires more than just rhetoric it demands action. Public policies must be leveraged to close the gender gap, empower women in decision-making roles, and ensure their presence in leadership positions where they have traditionally been underrepresented.

Now is the time to act boldly to dismantle barriers, invest in women’s success, and reshape the future of technology to be inclusive for all.

Author

Ms. Eunice Golloh is a seasoned Cybersecurity Analyst with extensive experience in Security Control Assessments, Risk Management, and Information Assurance methodologies. She is the President and Founder of Impact Wave Initiative (IWI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young women through mentorship, education, and advocacy.

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