Women in Cyber Capacity Building Network: Workplan

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Background

Over the last years, it became increasingly clear by the GFCE community that there was a strong need for the creation of a female network, where women professionals can reach out to each other and build a community of trust. Participants from past GFCE sessions highlighted the importance of women in the field of cyber to be able to openly share ideas, experiences and practices, share struggles and find solutions regarding the implementation of cyber capacity building projects and initiatives.

Aim

To facilitate and coordinate these needs, the GFCE Women in Cyber Capacity Building Network was launched during the GFCE Annual Meeting 2019 in Addis Ababa. The aim of this initiative is to create an informal network, bringing together women cybersecurity professionals to connect, share experiences and challenges, share their knowledge, collaborate, support and inspire others, network and advance their participation in cybersecurity and cyber capacity building. The GFCE Secretariat aims to enhance the following:

• Cooperation and knowledge sharing among women involved in cyber capacity building;
• Identification of cyber capacity needs on a regional level; and the
• Growth of a trusted community of cyber experts within and outside the GFCE community.

Added value of the GFCE Women in Cyber Capacity Building Network

Despite the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, women still face a variety of challenges when it comes to inclusion into cyber capacity building efforts. The GFCE Women in CCB Network will build a strong, inclusive, and growing network of female professionals who can benefit from each other, raising awareness on capacity building issues and encouraging the inclusion and respect of women in the field. Some of the benefits for the GFCE Community are:

• Enhances cooperation and knowledge sharing on cyber capacity building between women from different regions
• Provides the opportunity for the Community to demonstrate knowledge and expertise on different career paths in cyber capacity building through involvement in knowledge modules and meetings
• Allows the Community to better understand regional needs women face in cyber capacity building and connect with one another

Ambitions/Workplan