International Women in Cyber Day - Canberra Awards 2026

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.

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.

The Awards

Rising Woman in Cyber Award

Recognising a student or recent graduate who is actively championing gender diversity in cyber security. This award celebrates emerging leaders who advocate for women in cyber, help build supportive and inclusive communities, and demonstrate strong potential to make a meaningful long‑term contribution to the sector. 

• Self-nominations permitted
• Identify as female or non-binary 
• Be a current university or TAFE student, or a recent graduate (within the last two-years), studying or having studied a cyber security–related field within a Canberra-based institution (UC, UNSW, CIT or ANU) (self-nominations permitted)

Emerging Cyber Advocate Award

Recognising an early‑career cyber security professional who uses their voice and actions to strengthen inclusion and drive positive change. This award celebrates individuals who advocate for underrepresented groups, contribute to safer and more welcoming workplaces and communities, and are building credibility and momentum as future leaders in the cyber sector.

Nomination criteria

• Self-nominations permitted
• Identify as female or non-binary 
• Be an early career cyber security professional, with approximately five years or less professional experience in the cyber security sector, assessed relative to opportunity (including career breaks, part-time work, or non-linear pathways)
• Be working in, contributing to, the cyber security sector 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 mid‑career (5+ years’ experience) cyber professional in the ACT who is driving transformative change that increases the representation of women and diversity in the cyber workforce through action, influence, and measurable outcomes.

Nomination criteria

• Self-nominations permitted
• Identify as female or non-binary
• Have more than 5 years’ experience in the cyber sector in Canberra, assessed relative to opportunity (including career breaks, part-time work, or non-linear pathways)
   

Cyber Leader of the Year Award

This award celebrates established cyber leaders who combine authority, visibility and influence to create opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, shape inclusive cultures, and inspire others to succeed within the cyber ecosystem. It recognises leadership that drives impact through decision making, sponsorship and advocacy, not just intent.

Nomination criteria

• Self-nominations permitted
• Identify as female or non-binary 
• Have 10+ years’ professional experience in the cyber security sector, assessed relative to opportunity (including career breaks, part-time work, or non-linear pathways)
• Hold a clear leadership role within the cyber security sector in Canberra (e.g., executive, senior manager, people leader, practice lead, founder)

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.

Nomination criteria

• Self-nominations permitted
• Be of any gender 
• Have provided mentorship, advice, or advocacy to advance women in the Canberra cyber security sector

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.

Nomination criteria

• Self-nominations permitted
• Be a Canberra-based group or company (self-nominations permitted)
• Have created or implemented diversity and inclusion actions that lead to better outcomes for members or employees
   

Sponsor an Award Category

The IWCD Awards are proudly supported by Fujitsu as the overall event sponsor.

We are also inviting organisations to sponsor one of the six award categories, recognising those driving real change in Canberra’s cyber ecosystem.

Sponsorship offers a meaningful way to align your organisation with diversity, inclusion, and workforce development in cyber, while gaining visibility among industry, government, and emerging leaders. As a category sponsor, you will directly support the celebration of individuals and organisations making a tangible impact across our community.

If you’re interested in sponsoring an award category, please get in touch with Tanve Tanve.Kaley@canberracyberhub.com.au to discuss opportunities.

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