Her Cyber: Empowering Women and Girls in Cyber

Summary

Aim:

The cybersecurity workforce across the Western Balkans becomes more inclusive and gender-diverse, as more young women and girls choose to pursue education and careers in cyber security and the broader ecosystem becomes more supportive and conducive to women and girls’ participation, leading to greater resilience, adaptability and innovation in addressing cybersecurity challenges.

Context:

The Western Balkans face an alarming rise in cyber threats, yet the region lacks the skilled workforce needed for an effective response. This shortage is amplified by the underrepresentation of women, who make up only about 25% of the global cybersecurity workforce, and an even smaller share in the Western Balkans. Gender bias, societal stereotypes, and low participation of women in STEM remain persistent barriers, making the promotion of diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity not only a matter of fairness but also a critical requirement for strengthening the region’s digital resilience.

Details

Outcomes

Awareness and Aspirations – Young women and girls are more aware of significance of cybersecurity (CS), feel confident, empowered and inspired to pursue careers in this field.

Skills & Employability – Young women gain confidence, technical skills, certification, and support networks to enter and advance in cybersecurity careers.

Supportive Ecosystem – Enhanced capacity of cybersecurity organisations (e.g. government agencies, CSOs, business…), to design/improve/implement more inclusive, gender sensitive HR policies that attract and retain women in the sector.

Outputs

Output 1: Cybersecurity Clubs in Schools

Across the Western Balkans, 60 high school cybersecurity clubs (10 per country) will be established and engage 900 girls aged 15–18. Through eight workshops covering cybersecurity basics, gender empowerment, and career guidance, participants will gain awareness, new technical skills and be encouraged to pursue careers in the field.

Output 2: Internship Scheme

Paid three-month internships is offered to 60 young women in companies and institutions with strong cybersecurity sectors, providing mentorship and valuable hands-on experience.

Output 3: Certification Scheme

NCSC UK-accredited cybersecurity courses will be fully funded for 140 young women significantly boosting their employability and positioning them as qualified professionals.

Output 4: Networking Opportunities

A total of 18 networking events will be organised with the aim to connect recent graduates with cybersecurity professionals, enabling young women connect with cybersecurity professionals, build career networks, explore pathways for jobs, and learn about future opportunities.

Output 5: Leadership Training

Two-day leadership programmes will be provided to 90 young women, equipping early- to mid-career professionals with skills to advance in cybersecurity roles, gain leadership skills and up-to-date industry insights to advance their careers.

Output 6: Supportive Ecosystem/Gender Sensitivity in HR Policies for Cybersecurity Organizations

Enhanced gender sensitivity of human resource (HR) policies and practices within cybersecurity organizations, through provision of training to approximately 90 HR professionals and targeted support to selected organisations to design/improve/implement and promote more inclusive, gender-sensitive HR policies and practices that attract and retain women in the sector.