By 2025, women are expected to comprise 30% of the global cybersecurity workforce, with projections rising to 35% by 2031. While this represents notable progress, discussions at Gitex 2024 underscored that the journey toward gender parity is far from complete.
One solution emphasized during the event was the critical role of mentorship and supportive networks in empowering women within cybersecurity. The panelists highlighted that mentorship from both men and women can serve as a vital mechanism for attracting more women to the sector, offering guidance, career development, and growth opportunities. “The cybersecurity barrier is challenging for women; we are breaking barriers and encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers. But we must do even more,” said H.E. Tigist Hamid Mohammed, Director General of the Information Network Security Administration in Ethiopia.
Dr. Abeer Khedr, Group Head of Cybersecurity at the National Bank of Egypt, echoed this sentiment: “Cyber leadership at the client side means reaching CISO levels or beyond. In Egypt, entry-level positions in cybersecurity show a 60:40 ratio of women to men. The real challenge arises as women advance into middle management. To shift the narrative on cyber leadership, we need more women in boardrooms. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the top three nations with the highest percentage of women on boards, across both tech and other sectors.”
