The United Nations’ theme for International Women’s Day this year is:
“For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
As part of last year’s theme of “Inspire Inclusion” Toro took the opportunity to interview three of our team to try and encourage and inspire women who might wish to pursue a career in cyber security, technical support, and IT managed services. The full interview can be read here.
This year’s theme allows us to explore how the security industry, historically underrepresented by women, can benefit from greater gender balance, and how empowering women can be a catalyst for lasting change.
Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, often without recognition. Today, the security sector stands at a crossroads: greater inclusion can lead to stronger, more resilient nations. The path to equality begins with rights and education, leading to empowerment and leadership.
On 6th March, the House of Lords will discuss steps to promote greater diversity and inclusion in science and technology. The UK has an opportunity to extend this focus globally. As international security challenges grow, so does the need for a diverse and skilled workforce. A strategic approach to education - particularly for women - can be a powerful tool for economic growth and cybersecurity resilience.
The right to education is enshrined in the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights1, and by leveraging this right for women, nations can foster collaboration and innovation, creating a more secure global environment. Empowering women drives innovation, strengthens security, and fuels economic growth. Education equips women to lead, mentor, and uplift future generations, shaping stronger societies for all.
Investing in women’s education isn’t just about equality - it’s about impact. Studies show that investment in girls' education delivers nearly twice the return compared to other forms of development aid2. A 2024 report from the World Bank Group also suggests that for emerging markets, investing in cybersecurity to reduce cyber incidents is likely to boost a nation’s GDP more than investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The global shortage of cyber security professionals3 can be alleviated through international partnerships that support education and skills development, particularly for women in underrepresented regions.
The UK should work alongside global partners to champion a generation of technically capable, security-conscious women to combat disinformation, strengthen cyber resilience, and drive economic growth.
To truly empower women in security, the industry must evolve. Too few young people, women, and diverse voices enter the field, often seeing security as a second-choice career rather than a first-choice calling. This perception must change.
The industry must unite with a clear message - actively attracting diverse talent, investing in training, and modernising the image of security as a cutting-edge, inclusive, and essential profession. The next generation of security professionals must be equipped to thrive in a fast-changing, interconnected world.
Now is the time to lift, guide, and shape the future of global security - ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance, have the opportunity to lead and thrive.
1 https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/the-rrsa/the-right-to-education/
2 https://www.weforum.org/stories/2020/10/girls-school-africa-developing-nations-gdp/
3 https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2024/09/Employers-Must-Act-Cybersecurity-Workforce-Growth-Stalls-as-Skills-Gaps-Widen