Gladys O. Yiadom, Senior Public Affairs Manager, Kaspersky
International Women’s Day offers an important moment to assess progress in advancing women in technology and to reaffirm our commitment to continued action. As digital transformation accelerates across regions, strengthening women’s participation in cybersecurity is essential to building resilient and inclusive digital ecosystems.
Breaking Barriers in Technology
Cybersecurity sits at the core of today’s digital transformation. Yet despite its strategic importance, the sector remains predominantly male-dominated. Women still represent only 20-25% of the global cybersecurity workforce, reflecting systemic barriers to entry and advancement.
Research also highlights evolving trends within the sector. A Kaspersky Women in Tech Survey conducted across 19 countries revealed that 56% of women working in IT observed increased female representation within their organizations compared to two years prior. However, structural disparities continue to exist. In Europe, 43% of women in tech agree that men progress faster than they do in their organizations.
While challenges persist, there is a growing momentum within the IT sector to build more inclusive pathways into cybersecurity. Kaspersky embraces this dynamic through initiatives such as the Empower Women project, which contribute to expanding equal opportunities and fostering an environment in which women can thrive.
The consequences of limited gender representation in tech leadership are broader than professional advancement. A lack of parity in decision-making roles can influence how digital safety issues affecting women are understood and prioritized.
Kaspersky’s Actions to Empower Women
Recognizing these broader implications, Kaspersky continues to translate its commitment into concrete initiatives that elevate women’s voices and expand their presence in the cybersecurity landscape:
- Empower Women Project: Launched in 2021, the Empower Women initiative highlights women’s roles in cybersecurity, offering resources like regional research, success stories, and career insights featuring female professionals. It also emphasizes diverse career opportunities, showcasing how women without technical backgrounds can thrive in IT.
- Letters to the Past - Stories of Resilience and Inspiration: Kaspersky’s Letters to the Past project provides a platform for women in technology to share their journeys, offering invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and determination. These personal accounts inspire women and girls globally to navigate challenges and pursue impactful careers in cybersecurity and IT, demonstrating that success is not confined by societal expectations or traditional career paths.
- Championing Women in IT Events: In November 2023, Kaspersky sponsored the Female in IT (FIT) congress, a high-impact platform for networking, mentorship, and professional growth. More recently, in March 2025, Kaspersky supported the Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative led in Côte d’Ivoire by providing women participants with access to cybersecurity training through the Kaspersky Academy.
- Investing in the Next Generation of Women Innovators: Through our partnership with Smart Africa, Kaspersky contributed to the Ms Geek Africa competition in November 2025, spotlighting technology-driven solutions developed by young women to address societal challenges. In addition, our women experts have participated in panels focused on gender equality in cybersecurity in various countries to demonstrate that careers in the field are within reach for young women and girls.
These initiatives are important steps, but lasting progress requires sustained and collective efforts across the tech sector.
Recommendations for Advancing Women in Technology
- Prioritize STEM Education: Expand access to STEM education through scholarships, mentorship programs, and partnerships with educational institutions. Programs aimed at girls in early education can help break stereotypes and spark interest in technology.
- Promote Role Models and Mentorship: Highlighting successful women in technology, like those featured in Kaspersky’s Letters to the Past, provides tangible examples for aspiring professionals. Mentorship programs can further support women navigating tech careers.
- Strengthen Workplace Inclusion: Implement policies that address pay equity, career advancement, and workplace bias. Transparent hiring and promotion processes ensure opportunities are based on merit rather than implicit biases.
- Create Safe and Collaborative Spaces: Digital and physical platforms offer vital support networks for women in IT, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Support Leadership Development: Provide training programs for women aspiring to leadership roles, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in higher-level positions.
Looking Ahead
The future of technology must reflect the diversity of those it serves. Bridging the gender gap in IT, particularly in cybersecurity, calls for collaboration between educational institutions, employers, and industry leaders. Kaspersky will continue to act with purpose to ensure women can influence, shape, and lead the next wave of innovation.
For more information, check out wit.kaspersky.com
