According to ISC2’s ‘Women in Cybersecurity’ report, men outnumber women ‘by three to one’ in our field. At Metomic, we’re advocates for equality, and we’re keen to balance the scales - particularly after seeing those stats. 

While offering competitive benefits, flexible work arrangements, and equitable leadership tracks are essential elements of creating an inclusive work environment, fostering early buy-in and providing tangible role models within the industry are equally as important.

How do we attract more women to cyber? 

First and foremost, organisations must be able to recognise and promote the profound impact that women can have in the cybersecurity sector. By highlighting the potential for individuals to make transformative contributions, businesses can appeal to women who aspire to play a pivotal role in reshaping the cybersecurity landscape.

I recently surveyed women working at Metomic. Whilst 100% of us primarily chose this job because of the specific responsibilities it offered us, rather than it being a job in cybersecurity, now we’re here, 76% identify a significant opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a rocketing market with clear gender and diversity gaps to bridge. 

The emphasis needs to shift from merely attracting women to cybersecurity roles to empowering them to actively contribute to and influence the industry.

Celebrating women in the cybersecurity workforce 

To foster a culture that attracts and retains women, organisations should celebrate and recognise the positive impacts of gender-inclusive initiatives. Over the past year, Metomic has increased the representation of women in its workforce from 18% to an impressive 48%. Notably, the Leadership Team achieved gender parity for the first time, marking a significant milestone in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Creating and enabling opportunities is central to the strategy of attracting and retaining women in cybersecurity. This involves not only implementing policies and practices that support gender diversity but also proactively identifying and eliminating barriers that may hinder women's advancement in the field. For instance, establishing mentorship programs, hosting networking events, and creating skill-building initiatives can help empower women in cybersecurity.

Encouraging women into STEM education 

Promoting education and awareness is another key aspect of attracting women to cybersecurity careers. Encouraging girls and young women to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and providing resources to bridge the gender gap in these fields lays the foundation for a diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce.

By adopting these strategies, organisations in the cybersecurity sector can benefit from a diverse workforce, consisting of empowered women that bring fresh perspectives to the table. 

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