Cybersecurity is no longer a technical niche. It is a foundation of global resilience, shaping economic stability, public trust, humanitarian action and international security. As societies become more digital, cyber threats increasingly affect critical infrastructure, public services and the safety of people and communities worldwide.
However, women remain underrepresented in cybersecurity and in the rooms where decisions are made - at precisely the moment when cyber threats are escalating. This is not only a pipeline problem; it is a systems problem. Economic and social barriers, from unequal access to education and training opportunities, to barriers and bias in hiring and promotion, to the unequal burden of unpaid care - continue to narrow women's pathways into the cybersecurity sector. The cost is collective: the cybersecurity space should not leave women and girls on the margins but instead tap into their potential to strengthen global digital resilience.
The digital world promised connection and empowerment, and UN Women is committed to ensuring that women and girls benefit equally from the digital revolution. Whether through our work at the global level or at the regional level, UN Women calls for a digital future that is safe and empowers women's participation in the economy, leadership, and participation in public life.
Recognizing women driving change in cybersecurity
When women shape cybersecurity, digital systems are better equipped to protect people, uphold rights and respond to diverse realities. The Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity Award is recognizing excellence in strengthening women's participation, leadership and impact in cybersecurity. The Award is a global initiative by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) where the end-to-end process is shaped in consultation with partners who support the Award initiative, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UN Women. The Award also builds on the UN Women and GCF collaboration to strengthen women's participation and leadership in cybersecurity and the digital economy.
The award is structured across four complementary tracks: Pipeline Builder (recognizes organisations that build early pathways for girls and young women), Advocacy Champion (recognizes organizations that strengthen the visibility and inclusion of women in cybersecurity), Workforce Enablement (recognizes organizations that help women enter, grow in, and remain in cybersecurity roles), and Leadership & Entrepreneurship (recognizes organizations that support women in advancing into cybersecurity leadership and entrepreneurship).
Advancing gender equality in a rapidly evolving digital landscape
As digital technologies continue to transform economies and societies, inclusive cybersecurity has become increasingly important. Expanding women's participation and leadership in this field is therefore essential to building resilient digital systems, fostering innovation and promoting trust online.
