New campaign to boost female engagement in cyber security

North East England is the latest region to launch a campaign aimed at inspiring more women to enter the cyber security field amid ongoing gender disparities in the industry.

Women currently occupy just 17% of cyber security jobs in the UK, a decline from 21% in 2022. The number of female leaders within the sector is stagnant at 12% nationally, with estimates suggesting that figures in the North East are even lower. These statistics reflect a broader issue of gender imbalance within cyber security, prompting a new initiative to address these challenges.

With funding from Innovate UK, the Influencing the Influencer campaign aims to raise awareness about the opportunities available to girls within the cyber security sector. This first-of-its-kind project focuses on equipping career advisors and computer science teachers with the necessary resources and knowledge to support and guide young women into cyber security careers.

The initiative has introduced a signposting portal featuring case studies, study routes, and regional employer information, designed to aid educational institutions in the North East. Northumbria University, Sunderland University, Sunderland College, and Gateshead College have signed up to engage with a series of webinars and events, providing insights into the portal alongside panel discussions from female leaders in the field.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has publicly supported the campaign, stating: "I'm delighted to see the launch of this campaign; my vision for the North East is for it to be known as the home of real opportunity, and a region where everyone thrives.

Cyber security is a thriving sector in the region, and working closely with the education sector and schools is crucial. Visible female role models in the sector can inspire girls to enter the industry and send a clear message that the sector is open to them too, not just boys.

I want more people to see they can have successful careers in the North East, and projects like this are vital to highlight and showcase the opportunities for the next generation, especially in a sector where female representation is significantly lower."

The campaign aims to change perceptions of cyber security careers by showcasing role models from the sector. Addressing the shortage of visible female role models, the initiative seeks to provide young women with figures they can look up to within the industry.

A number of prominent female leaders in cyber security have pledged their support, including Parisa Akaber from Siemens, Sarah Hibbert from ITPS, Sophie Kelly at Accenture, Juliet Melia from Mott MacDonald, Meera Sarma of Cystel, Jennifer Dumbleton of Beyond Blue, Melissa Gurney at Punk Security, and Mads Howard from Sage, who was recently awarded an MBE for her contributions to cyber security and advocacy for gender diversity in technology.

Participating in the campaign panel, Sarah Hibbert, SOC Manager at ITPS, commented: "I'm delighted to pledge my support to this campaign. I've always worked with some very supportive teams, but you don't see many of yourself in the field at times.

Visibility early on is key and showing the opportunities that are in the sector for girls is of essence. Role models are key, there are so many more now, but there wasn't many when I was younger. We need to get into schools earlier so girls can see what footsteps they can follow in."

The cyber security sector offers 15 different career pathways, yet a report by the Sutton Trust in 2022 found that 88% of teachers feel their training does not equip them to provide effective career advice about the industry.

Danielle Phillips, CEO of CyberNorth, emphasised the importance of knowledge and collaboration, stating: "Knowledge is key. There are thousands of STEM graduates in the region each year, but not all stay, the next generation need to know about the opportunities that are in our region and the pathways into the cyber security field, especially girls.

Diverse teams produce better results and lead to problem-solving and innovation, we all need to work together in collaboration to take action to close this gender discrepancy in a sector which is thriving and offers unlimited opportunities. Through this campaign we are determined to nurture and inspire the next generation of future female cyber security leaders from the region."

Since its establishment, CyberNorth has been instrumental in developing the cyber security community in the North East, promoting regional opportunities on both national and international stages.