SheSpeaksCyber: Closing the Gender Gap on Cybersecurity Stages
Despite growing representation of women in the cybersecurity field, a significant disparity remains when it comes to speaker representation at industry events. SheSpeaksCyber, a free and open directory launched by the Women4Cyber Foundation, aims to address this imbalance by connecting event organizers with qualified female cybersecurity experts.
The Persistent Speaker Diversity Gap
For over a decade, the cybersecurity industry has acknowledged the lack of diversity among speakers at conferences, and events. Although pledges and dedicated tracks have emerged, stages continue to be dominated by male voices, despite millions of qualified women working in the field. This gap isn’t due to a lack of expertise, but rather a discoverability issue, according to Erlend Andreas Gjære, founder of SheSpeaksCyber.
How SheSpeaksCyber Works
SheSpeaksCyber functions as a searchable directory, making it easier for event organizers to find and connect with female cybersecurity speakers worldwide. The platform addresses the common excuse of difficulty in finding qualified women by providing a readily accessible resource. The Women4Cyber Foundation previously received weekly requests from event organizers seeking recommendations for female speakers, a process SheSpeaksCyber now streamlines.
A Community-Driven Movement
Beyond being a search tool, SheSpeaksCyber is described as a community movement with a goal of achieving 50 percent female representation at cybersecurity events by 2030. The initiative, launched in collaboration with Secure Practice, aims to increase the visibility and participation of women in cybersecurity events across Europe.
Addressing Challenges to Female Speakers
SheSpeaksCyber acknowledges the internal challenges women often face regarding public speaking, such as the belief that they must be flawless or explicitly invited to participate. To overcome these hurdles, the platform encourages women to:
- Join workshops, speaking groups, or supportive networks for practice.
- Prioritize authenticity over perfection.
- Recognize that confidence is a skill developed through experience and feedback.
- Cultivate a growth mindset focused on learning and contribution.
Resources and Further Information
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