In a significant stride towards enhancing gender diversity in
the tech sector, 20 women have graduated from the certified cybersecurity
program by the Slamm Foundation and (ISC2).
Despite the industry's growth, women remain underrepresented,
holding less than a quarter of the cybersecurity workforce, and underscoring a
persistent gender gap in this critical field
However, there is optimism for the future, with forecasts
indicating that by 2025, women will occupy 30% of cybersecurity roles,
projected to rise to 35% by 2031.
The collaborative effort between the Slamm Foundation and ISC2,
under their ‘One Million Campaign’ initiative, aims to expedite the realization
of this objective by advocating for increased female participation in
cybersecurity.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Francisca Boateng, Chief
Operations Officer for Slamm Technologies, underscored the significance of such
initiatives, reaffirming the organization's commitment to fostering gender
equality in the cybersecurity community.
She stated, "The success of these 20 graduates is a
testament to what women can achieve in tech when provided with the right
opportunities and support."
Training & Networking
The week-long intensive training not only covered courses on
'Certified Cybersecurity' but also encompassed topics such as Security
Principles, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Access Control, Network
Security, and Security Operations. Beyond the curriculum, participants from
diverse backgrounds had the opportunity to network and engage in various
activities aimed at fostering camaraderie and motivation.
To ensure effective training, a team of diverse cybersecurity
experts was enlisted. Prince Carl Tuffour Frimpong, Head of IT Training Support
and Services at Slamm Technologies, emphasized the importance of bridging the
gender gap, highlighting the abundance of vacant positions in Information
Technologies and Cybersecurity awaiting women. Other experts involved were SOC
Analyst Belinda Manieson and Lead Facilitator, Habib Ibrahim.
To assess the participants' comprehension, they were divided
into groups and tasked with debating topics and videos covered during the
training. Participants were also given free vouchers to be able to receive a certified
certificate to validate their participation after passing the ISC2 CC Exams.
Dwan Jones, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at
ISC2, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to
continue pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
She expressed ISC2's pride in being part of the program's
journey, emphasizing its role as a stepping stone for participants in the
cybersecurity profession.
“We at ISC2 are happy that to have been
a part of the programme and it just a first step in what you are going to do in
your cyber career and we are excited to be able to offer this training and for
it to be again one of the first steps. We know that you will forge ahead to
break barriers and become a huge part of the global cybersecurity profession,” she said.
Shared experience
The graduates shared their transformative experiences and the
impact of the training on their career aspirations.
"As a participant, I would say this
has been the best cybersecurity training I have ever attended, and I am very
well prepared to take the exams, pass them, and advance to the very next level
in cybersecurity," said
Mabel Korkor Ocansey.
Emmanuella Baaba Koomson also noted that: "This program has been life-changing. It has not only equipped me
with essential cybersecurity skills but has also boosted my confidence to
pursue a career in a field I am passionate about."
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye