REWIRE launches SHEcybers: voices from women in cybersecurity
A video campaign to promote inclusivity and empowerment of women in the cybersecurity field
In the realm of cybersecurity, persistent gender disparities present significant impediments to industry innovation and growth. Despite some progress in the field, women remain notably underrepresented in cybersecurity roles, facing systemic obstacles that hinder their advancement. These disparities not only hinder diversity but also limit the sector’s ability to address complex challenges with a broad range of perspectives.
To confront these challenges, the REWIRE project has launched SHEcybers – Voices from Women in Cybersecurity, a video campaign aimed to amplify positive narratives surrounding women in cybersecurity, showcasing the accomplishments of women in the REWIRE project and counteract stereotypes and biases by promoting authentic stories that emphasise the impactful contributions of women in the field. The campaign was launched on March 8th on International Women’s Day to contribute to the global recognition of women’s achievements and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality.
The SHEcybers campaign strives to foster a sense of community and solidarity among women in the field and to share inspirational messages for young girls interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity, building a sense of empowerment and self-belief.
Women in the REWIRE project actively contributed to the campaign by sharing their personal journeys in the cybersecurity sector, showcasing their achievements, challenges overcome, and the impact of their work.
Sara Ricci, Researcher at Brno University of Technology (BUT) in the Czech Republic:
“In REWIRE, I serve as the Co-Investigator from Brno University and lead the European Cybersecurity Skills strategy. In my department, the number of women researchers is minimal, reflecting a broader situation. In my experience, women are present but often hesitant to take on leadership roles and pursue research due to social norms and personal insecurities. I would like to challenge the notion that family and career are incompatible pursuits.”
Pinelopi Kyranoudi, PhD at the University of Piraeus and Cybersecurity Researcher at the Technical University of Crete, Greece:
“Creating an inclusive cybersecurity industry requires a collective effort from all of us. Despite progress, women are still underrepresented in many areas of cybersecurity. Let’s challenge stereotypes and pave the way for a more diverse cybersecurity community. Mixed teams are the strongest.”
Yianna Danidou, Assistant Professor in Cybersecurity and Coordinator of the Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity at the European University in Cyprus, shared a powerful message to the audience:
“Embrace your unique perspective and never underestimate the power of your voice. Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. These words remind us that our courage defines our journey.”
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SHEcybers is a video campaign developed under the project REWIRE – Cybersecurity Skills Alliance, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union – Grant Agreement 621701-EPP-1-2020-1-LT-EPPKA2-SSA-B. REWIRE aims to build a Blueprint for the Cybersecurity industry and a concrete European Cybersecurity Skills Strategy. Its work focuses on delivering concrete recommendations and sustainable solutions that will lead to the reduction of skill gaps between industry requirements and sectoral training provision and contribute to the growth, innovation and competitiveness of the Cybersecurity sector.
