On March 8, 2025, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day that holds deep meaning for me as a woman in cyber security, because the urgency to close the gender gap in STEM and cyber security is greater than ever.

At the current pace, full gender parity in the sector may not be achieved until 2158—more than five generations from now. This reality is sobering, but it also strengthens my resolve to push for change.

The Gender gap in cyber security

Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how women remain underrepresented in fields that shape our digital future. Cyber security, a field I am deeply passionate about, continues to be male-dominated. According to the 2024 Cyber Security Workforce Study by (ISC)², women make up only 14.4% of the cyber security workforce. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for diverse perspectives is more critical than ever. Women bring unique problem-solving approaches, creativity, and resilience that strengthen our industry. We are not just closing the gender gap—we are building a more innovative and secure digital world.

The broader impact of gender diversity in cyber security

Research has consistently shown that gender-diverse teams bring tangible benefits to organisations and cybersecurity efforts. A recent study highlighted that diverse teams outperform individuals in business decision-making processes up to 87 per cent of the time. Harvard Business Review research supports this, showing that diverse teams make better decisions by questioning assumptions and processing information more thoroughly. Organisations that embrace diversity perform better, anticipate risks more effectively, and foster innovation. Encouraging more women to join the field enhances the resilience of global cybersecurity defences.

Moving forward: 2025 and beyond

Achieving gender equality in STEM and cybersecurity requires continued commitment from governments, private industry, educators, and individuals. For businesses, this means looking beyond recruitment and focusing on career progression—ensuring women are not just entering cybersecurity roles but advancing into leadership positions. To make real progress, we must invest in STEM education for young girls, sparking early interest in technology and cybersecurity. Expanding mentorship programs ensures that women entering the field have guidance and role models to support their careers. We must also challenge outdated stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing careers in cyber security and other STEM disciplines. To showcase our commitment to promoting cyber security education and talent development in Australia, we launched the ESET Women in Cyber Security Scholarship in Australia four years ago to encourage more women to enter this critical field. We are grateful for the support from the Australian Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security to expand the reach and impact of this scholarship in 2023 and 2024. Advocating for workplace policies that create environments where women can excel is just as crucial to fostering a more inclusive industry. This includes introducing flexible work policies, skills-based hiring, and pay equity reviews to remove systemic barriers. Workplaces must foster a culture where everyone, regardless of gender, feels confident to speak up and thrive. Creating an inclusive environment means ensuring that women are heard, valued, and empowered to lead. Mentorship and networking are essential for women to connect, share knowledge, and grow in their careers. Beyond mentorship, businesses should consider sponsorship programs where senior leaders actively advocate for women’s career advancement, ensuring they gain visibility and access to leadership opportunities. I have personally benefited from the guidance of incredible mentors; mentorship helped me break down barriers, instil confidence, and open doors to new opportunities. That’s why I am committed to mentoring and supporting other women in the field – I firmly believe that when women uplift one another, we create lasting change. Lastly, fostering open dialogue is key. We need safe spaces where we can discuss challenges, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions. The more we talk about the obstacles we face, the more we can work toward dismantling them. Change happens when we listen, learn, and take action together. A Future built on action I am hopeful for the future because I see incredible women breaking barriers every day. The time for action is now. Let’s commit to the work, so gender parity is not a distant goal but a reality within our lifetime. Together, we can build a future where women in STEM and cybersecurity are not the exception, but the norm.