Problem
The Canadian cybersecurity industry is facing a critical shortage of trained and skilled professionals. As cybercrime and attacks become more frequent and sophisticated, the need for a robust workforce has never been more urgent. Yet, women make up only 10% of the cybersecurity workforce in Canada, and many leave the industry due to a lack of support and the inherent biases they encounter.

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, recognizes the vital role that women play in shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Watch his video message here: Video Message from the Prime Minister

Additionally, efforts like the Executive Order on America's Cybersecurity Workforce from US President Donald Trump highlight the global importance of addressing this issue: Read the Executive Order.

Women continue to face numerous barriers in the cybersecurity workforce, including discrimination, harassment, bullying, and exclusion. These challenges have led many women to leave the industry, resulting in a growing skills gap, which leaves us vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Some estimates suggest over 10 million cybersecurity jobs globally will remain unfilled by 2025, deepening the skills shortage and threatening digital security worldwide.

Facts

• Globally, women make up just 12% of the cybersecurity workforce.
  In Canada, women represent only 10% of the cybersecurity workforce.
• Research shows a 50% drop-out rate for women in IT within the first four years.
• Only 11% of women enroll in cybersecurity-related programs in Canada.
• A 30% gender ratio is needed for women to feel supported in the industry.
• Women face pay inequity, earning 20-30% less than their male counterparts.
• Women often have to work twice as hard to gain recognition for half the acknowledgment.
• Millions of cybersecurity jobs globally are expected to remain unfilled due to the growing skills gap.
• In 2023, global losses due to cyber-attacks were estimated to be over $10.3 trillion, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

Solution
International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD), on September 1, is a global initiative aimed at celebrating and recognizing the achievements of women in cybersecurity. This day is designed to highlight women’s contributions, promote inclusion, and inspire the next generation of female cybersecurity leaders. By supporting and promoting this event, we can narrow the gender gap in cybersecurity and tackle the growing skills gap.

The IWCD initiative will also encourage more women to consider cybersecurity as a career path, helping to fill the workforce void and improve our digital safety.

We Need Your Support
We call on governments, educators, policymakers, technology providers, and industry leaders to support this global campaign. We all play a role in advancing the cybersecurity industry by:

• Creating policies for increased diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
• Enforcing equal pay for equal work (as seen in Iceland!).
• Encouraging equal representation on boards, panels, and conferences.
• Establishing training programs and scholarships to help women enter and thrive in the industry.
• Providing funding for services that support women in cybersecurity.
• Promoting awareness and standing against discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Sign the Petition
Join us in pushing for global recognition and a gender-diverse cybersecurity industry. Sign the petition to help us gain the United Nations’ official recognition of International Women in Cyber Day and show your support for policies that will ensure a safer, more equitable digital world for all.

📝 Sign the Petition Now

Thank you for your continued support in advancing women in cybersecurity and closing the gender gap for a safer digital future.

— The Women CyberSecurity Society et al