International Women in Cyber Day - Canberra Awards

International Women in Cyber Day on September 1st is a global movement to recognise the achievements of women in cyber and the issues faced in a male-dominated industry. The goal is to encourage women to pursue cyber security careers, share stories and support each other within the field. The day also advocates for more diversity and inclusion within the cyber security workforce.

The International Women in Cyber Day – Canberra Awards celebrate the women and their supporters who champion diversity in cyber within our capital city. These awards commend the female leaders, students, businesses, and organisations who create environments that embrace the unique talents of all individuals in the ACT. These awards aim to inspire inclusion and empower women in cyber all year long.

The Canberra Cyber Hub is a not for profit funded by the ACT government, that aims to grow the cyber security workforce within the ACT. Canberra Cyber Hub have a committed culture of respect and inclusion, and our mission is to showcase Canberra as an inclusive place to live and work for all individuals. Canberra Cyber Hub also boasts an over 70% female workforce.

The International Women in Cyber Day - Canberra Awards are proudly supported by Fujitsu Cyber Security Services.

Nominations for these awards are encouraged from all areas of cyber security in the ACT, including the public and private sector. We want to showcase what makes Canberra a great place to live and work in cyber security, and encourage you to recognise a colleague, friend, mentor, group or company who has helped you during your career journey. We also highly recommend self-nominations.

We welcome nominations across the five award categories for International Women in Cyber Day – Canberra Awards: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/dSBsvaG5y4

Cyber Catalyst Award

A catalyst is a person who quickly causes change or action. The Cyber Catalyst Award recognises a female with fewer than five years in the Canberra cyber industry or a student, who has actively participated in diversity and inclusion actions, mentoring or events. They have shared these experiences with others and are forging a pathway for women in cyber from the ground up. 

Nominees should:

• Be female presenting or non-binary
• Have less than five-years’ experience in a cyber security sector 
• Currently work in a cyber security related role or be studying cyber security in Canberra
• Be able to showcase how they have participated in diversity and inclusion initiatives 
• Demonstrate current or future impact on diversity and inclusion in the cyber sector in Canberra 

Cyber Leader of the Year

Strong female leadership at all levels can help shape organisational commitment to diversity and inclusion. Having visible female leaders inspires others on their own career pathways. This award commends a female leader who promotes diversity and inclusion in cyber security in the ACT and inspires other to succeed and achieve.

Nominees should:

• Be female presenting or non-binary
• Hold a clear leadership role within the cyber security sector
• Demonstrate the impact of their leadership on diversity within their organisation or the cyber security sector in Canberra
• Showcase how they advocate for or inspire others in cyber security in Canberra

Change Maker of the Year 

A change maker is someone who proactively works to improve the environment around them. This award celebrates a person who is driving transformative change within the landscape of cyber security. This change should result in increasing the representation of women and diversity in the cyber workforce in the ACT.

Nominees should:

• Be female presenting or non-binary
• Have more than 5 years’ experience in the cyber sector
• Have led/implemented an initiative, program, project (or similar) that promotes diversity and inclusion in the cyber sector

• Demonstrate the impact of the initiative, program, project or similar

   

Cyber Mentor of the Year 

Mentors use their experience to help guide and advise the development of others. This award recognises an individual who provides support, guidance, mentorship, or advocacy for women in cyber security.

Nominees should:

• Be any gender
• Have provided mentorship, advice or advocacy to advance females in the ACT cyber security sector.
• Be able to demonstrate the impact of their advocacy or advice through testimonials or success stories. 

Inclusion in Action Award

This award celebrates a group or company, that has engaged in, promoted, and maintained diversity and inclusion by creating an environment that recognises, encourages, and embraces the talents of all individuals in cyber in Canberra.

Nominees should:

• Be a Canberra based group or company
• Have created or implemented diversity and inclusion actions that lead to better outcomes for members or employees
• Demonstrate a long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion measures
• Publicly promote and showcase diversity and inclusion actions to be an inspiration for others.