GCF Launches Women in Cyber Awards to Boost Inclusion

The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) has announced the launch of the Women in Cyber Awards, supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UN Women, aiming to highlight women's roles in the cybersecurity field. The inaugural edition in 2026 will include categories like the "Pipeline Builder Award" and "Leadership and Entrepreneurship Award," recognizing organizations that made significant contributions to women's advancement in cybersecurity over the past two years. Through this initiative, GCF seeks to address the current gender gap in the cybersecurity workforce, where women represent only 24% of the total, despite a significant global shortfall of talent in the sector.

The strategic implications of this initiative underscore the importance of diversity in enhancing cybersecurity resilience. The Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity (WEC) initiative aims to promote a sustainable talent pipeline while cultivating women's leadership in the field, thereby fortifying global cybersecurity. With millions of unfilled roles in cybersecurity, the GCF and its partners emphasize that fostering women's involvement is essential not just for economic reasons but also for strengthening security in an increasingly digital landscape. Winners of the awards will be announced at the GCF Annual Meeting in October 2026, further spotlighting impactful contributions from various sectors to enhance women's roles in cybersecurity.