The energy, the speeches, the inspiration and talent at the recent International Women in Cyber Day Canberra Awards was a powerful reminder of the diverse individual abilities within our industry. As National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuiness, stated,
"We simply cannot achieve our goals for the future of cyber in Australia, without harnessing the full talent pool that our nation has to offer."
While these awards celebrate significant progress, the work is far from over. It’s imperative that this momentum is channelled into tangible action; building a diverse workforce is more than just increasing equity and talking about equal opportunities. There must be an understanding of the why; diversity innately increases operational capabilities and innovation.
The Innovation Imperative: Diversity as a Strategic Advantage
The case for including women in cyber is a strategic one, backed by hard data. Diverse teams are proven to be more innovative. A 2018 Boston Consulting Group study (here), found that companies with diverse management teams report 19% higher revenues due to increased innovation. The bottom line is: companies with greater gender diversity on their executive teams are more likely to have higher profitability.
Essentially, diverse teams build better, more inclusive products that serve a broader market; the vast perspectives of a diverse workforce mean that no ideas are left untouched.
How does this apply to accelerating national resilience?
When a company mission is to protect society and build resilience - as it is with many security, defence and STEM companies, it is essential to understand more than just a snapshot of society. Diverse perspectives are exactly how businesses ensure that no corner is left untouched and overlooked. This not only builds resilience, but also company image.
The Battle Isn't Over: A Reality Check
Despite the momentum, and the unquestionable leaps and bounds, the numbers show there is still quite the road ahead. Women still only make up around 22% of the cyber workforce (ISC2, March 2025). Many more women are joining the workforce, but for now, many women also leave the field due to a lack of support and silent, exclusionary cultures.
The collective goal must be to create an environment where belonging is the default, not the exception.
The Power of Mentorship
One of the most powerful tools for creating systemic change is, first - building awareness, and then - mentorship: shifting the perspectives, attitudes and aspirations of future generations. Research shows that mentees are promoted five times more often than those without mentors (Mentorloop, 2025). For women in STEM, a mentor provides crucial guidance, support, and network expansion.
Whether you are looking for a mentor or are ready to become one, here are several programs dedicated to supporting women in STEM and security:
- The ASSTEMBLY: A newly rebranded Canberra-based company, providing mentorship to women in the Security and STEM career fields.
- Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN): Connecting, supporting and inspiring women in security roles, across Australia.
- Cyber5050 (Cyber CX): A program for women and gender-diverse people looking to upskill or change careers, featuring peer learning and small group mentoring.
- SheLeadsTech (ISACA): Empowers women to enhance their professional skills and advocate for their career advancement.
- Women in ICT (WIC): Fostering the intake of women into ICT careers and supporting women throughout.
- Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS): Working to recruit, retain and advance women throughout the cyber security sector across Australia.
The International Women in Cyber Day Awards were a powerful moment of celebration, but now is the time to work hard, keep the momentum in the movement going, build pathways and reshape workforces.
It’s time to take the next step.
Seek out a mentor. Become a mentor. By doing so, the industry can start moving beyond celebration and meta-discussions. It’s crucial to continue working, building awareness and learning, to build a stronger, more innovative, and more secure Australia for all.
