Recommendations for Women in Cyber. Educational level

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL FULFILMENT IN THE FIELD OF CYBERSECURITY AT THE EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

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PROMOTION OF STEM EDUCATION AND GENDER EQUALITY AT SCHOOL 1.1. Develop STEM associations and initiatives for girls: • Create school-based STEM clubs and circles where girls can engage in interesting projects and research in cybersecurity.

• Offer mentoring for girls from students or professionals in STEM fields.

1.2. Involve at least 40% of girls in cybersecurity education and competition events: • Hold outreach events and presentations in schools that focus on opportunities in STEM education and careers in cybersecurity.

• Involve female STEM professionals in workshops and masterclasses for students.

1.3. Recognise girls' perseverance in completing their educational tasks: • Create a system of awards and recognitions for outstanding female students who show interest in STEM and solve cybersecurity problems.

• Hold quarterly or annual events to celebrate girls' achievements in STEM. 1.4. Form and expand STEM communities for girls, and regularly hold career guidance events on the benefits of cybersecurity-related professions: • Create an online forum or dedicated platform for girls interested in cybersecurity to share experiences and resources.

• Organise meetings and conferences for female students to discuss and promote STEM. 1.5. Support regular cybersecurity competitions for girls, and include special nominations in competitions for girls: • Organise annual or semi-annual cybersecurity competitions and hackathons for girls with special nominations.

• Encourage predominantly female teams to participate in international competitions.

1.6. Develop soft skills and self-presentation skills for girls who choose cybersecurity as a career path: • Organise trainings and seminars for girls on interpersonal skills, communication and leadership.

• Hold masterclasses on public speaking and interview preparation.

1.7. Create and actively disseminate accessible, inspirational content about cybersecurity opportunities and careers: • Run blogs, podcasts or YouTube channels featuring female cybersecurity professionals talking about their achievements and success stories.

Recommendations for overcoming obstacles to women's professional fulfilment in the field of cybersecurity at the educational level

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL FULFILMENT IN THE FIELD OF CYBERSECURITY AT THE EDUCATIONAL LEVEL • Create informational materials about career opportunities and prospects in cybersecurity.

1.8. Be sure to integrate gender equality into cybersecurity education programmes: • Include modules or lessons on gender equality and inclusion in cybersecurity curricula.

• Offer projects and assignments to help female students explore different aspects of gender in cybersecurity.

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PROVIDE CAREER GUIDANCE •

Encourage girls to apply for cybersecurity majors by showing practical examples of successful female graduates.

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Support the creation of educational programmes in higher education institutions that cover all relevant cybersecurity specialities.

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Develop career guidance programmes that provide detailed information about cybersecurity majors and their benefits.

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Become “cybersecurity ambassadors” in your community, invite future female cybersecurity professionals into the profession, share your experience and encourage others to enter the profession.

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Invite experienced female cybersecurity experts to give motivational speeches and discuss opportunities in the field.

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Maintain the status of cybersecurity as a fashionable and promising profession accessible to women.

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Support the “chain of inspiration” through communication between experts and future cybersecurity professionals at all levels of education.

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Strengthen the positive narrative that cybersecurity professionals are cyber defenders.

TRAINING IN CYBERSECURITY •

Develop and make available specific and accessible educational resources that provide opportunities to gain practical experience in cybersecurity. This can include practical labs, simulation exercises, and additional materials that help develop practical skills.

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Actively work to eliminate harmful stereotypes and beliefs that limit women in cybersecurity. Present positive examples of women who have achieved excellent results in this field.

Recommendations for overcoming obstacles to women's professional fulfilment in the field of cybersecurity at the educational level

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL FULFILMENT IN THE FIELD OF CYBERSECURITY AT THE EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

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Combat stereotypes and practices that imply different expectations of women and men in terms of professional competencies. Recognise that women can be effective cybersecurity professionals.

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Support the development of interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills for girls who choose cybersecurity. This will increase their confidence and success in the field.

SUPPORT AT THE START OF A CAREER •

Develop and implement practical development programmes aimed at developing girls in cybersecurity that will help them stay in the field and avoid switching to other specialisations.

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Provide practical opportunities for female undergraduate students to achieve the required level of academic performance in technical disciplines.

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Prevent discrimination and bullying, including on the basis of gender, age and other sensitive characteristics, by implementing practical mechanisms for reporting and addressing such incidents.

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Adhere to practical gender balance policies for teaching staff and school management.

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Organise practical mentoring programmes for male and female students with gender equality among mentors.

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Ensure 100% placement of senior students in internships with real-life case studies, including in international companies and abroad. Organise relevant internship programmes for girls in cybersecurity with a focus on practical skills.

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Organise practical joint events with business to demonstrate real career opportunities for girls in cybersecurity.

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Provide mentoring support to young women starting cybersecurity businesses to help them develop and refine their practical skills and ideas.

Recommendations for overcoming obstacles to women's professional fulfilment in the field of cybersecurity at the educational level