What Is IWCD?

International Women in Cyber Day is a global movement of women and male advocates who recognize September 1st as a special day set aside to bring awareness to the challenges women face and celebrate women’s achievements within the cybersecurity industry.

The Women CyberSecurity Society (WCS2) celebrated the first women in cybersecurity conference here in Canada with the Inaugural Women in Cybersecurity Conference on September 12, 2019.

Keep on the watch for #IWCD2021 because we’re planning something big! We’re growing our amazing technology and educational partners and sponsors who place value on the contributions of women in this industry and want to celebrate with us in this valuable community!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IWCD?

International Women in Cyber Day is a global movement of women and male advocates who recognize September 1st as a special day set aside to bring awareness to the issues women face in cybersecurity and celebrate the achievements of women within this industry . This is accomplished through various social media campaigns, petitions, city proclamations and events around the globe.

Why is this needed?

There is a lack of diversity and inclusion for women who make up a very small percentage of the cybersecurity workforce.
It is generally accepted, women hold about 11% of the cybersecurity workforce jobs globally.
Women experience many roadblocks and inherent bias.
Women are exiting the industry due to the lack of support and inclusion.

What are the goals of IWCD?

Increase recruitment of women within the cybersecurity workforce.
Increase the retention rates of women working in cybersecurity.
Bring awareness to the unique issues and challenges women face within the industry.
Celebrate the achievement of women.
Narrow the gender gap.
Narrow the skills gap.

How can you participate in IWCD?

There are several opportunities for you to get involved and participate in various levels to join the celebration of IWCD!

Become an advocate and champion of women in cybersecurity by petitioning your national government to recognize September 1st as IWCD.

Share Your Story!

Raise Your Voice!

Bring awareness to the unique challenges you face as a woman working in cybersecurity.

Join the fun by creating and sharing your video.

Celebrate Your Achievements!

Tell your story and share across social media platforms using the hashtags

#IWCD2021 #tipthescale

How Can You Support IWCD? Partnership & Advocacy Program

Sign our IWCD International Petition on Change.org
Become a member of the Women CyberSecurity Society
Sponsor an IWCD event
Host an IWCD event near you
Attend an IWCD event at a local Meetup near you

Dear IWCD Supporters,

Thank you for all the love and support in 2019 and 2020. Last year’s IWCD campaign was filled with many successes here in Canada, including over 1200 signatures of our International Petition on Change.org.

The Women CyberSecurity Society (WCS2) celebrated the first women in cybersecurity conference here in Canada with the Inaugural Women in Cybersecurity Conference on September 12, 2019. Keynotes for this historic event included speeches from our local Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr Hedy Fry P.C., M.P., and the City of Vancouver’s Councillor, Melissa De Genova who spoke elegantly on the importance of diversity and inclusion and the need for more women in cybersecurity.

We also received three regional declarations from Canada’s leading mayors, across the country. Thank you, Mayor Kennedy Stewart, Mayor Danny Breen, and Mayor Jim Watson for all your support and advocacy of women in cybersecurity during 2019 with more to be announced for 2021!

These three capital regions proclaimed International Women in Cyber Day for September 1st which are the City of Vancouver, the City of St. John’s and the City of Ottawa. See the signed proclamations to the right

We also received this personal conference video message from The Right Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who supports and advocates on the important role women play within the cybersecurity industry.

The Honourable Dr Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. is a champion of women in technology who walks the walk by including IWCD on her 2020 Calendar that went out to nearly 700,000 constituents in the Vancouver Centre riding. Thank you, Hon. Hedy Fry!

Lastly, we’re submitted our 2021 e-petition to the Government of Canada, which is now awaiting a government response. Sign up to receive updates and announcements on this initiative.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors
IWCD Ambassadors

Advisory Committee

Women CyberSecurity Society

International Women in Cyber Day