What Is IWCD?

hat 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

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

#IWCD2023 #TipTheScale #WomenInCyberDay #Diversity #CyberWomenCelebrate

How Can You Support IWCD? Partnership & Advocacy Program

Join as an IWCD Charter Member
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.

News and Media Celebrating IWCD

AusCERT – https://x.com/empressbat/status/1565145694390059008

AWISN – https://x.com/sisinerdtweets/status/1300771452204056576

Austraila Women In Security Network (AWSN) – https://x.com/awsn_au/status/1432868067332149251

Amazon – https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1929038828

Apple (David Litchfield, Director of Information Security Assurance) – https://x.com/dlitchfield/status/1565387520799834112

Apptega – https://x.com/apptega/status/1565392101428412417

Australian Information Security Association (AISA) National – https://x.com/AISA_National/status/1697495016686727292

Blackberry –

Centre For Cyber Security Research – https://x.com/YCherdantseva/status/1565341904656826369

Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) – https://x.com/CSAsingapore/status/14329206548613324

CyberPeace Institute – https://x.com/CyberpeaceInst/status/1565257698983174144

Cyber Safe Foundation – https://x.com/cybersafehq/status/1697624728008077724

CyberSN (DeidreDiamond) – https://x.com/cyber_sn/status/1300872783447162881

Cyber Solve – https://x.com/CyberSolve_IAM/status/1570529887865409538

Defence Australia – https://x.com/DefenceAust/status/1237956754178076672

Digitial Innovation Futures Victoria – https://x.com/difvic/status/1565132698804518912

Digital Peace Now – https://x.com/DigitalPeaceNow/status/1565404484205002752

eKRAAL Innovation Hub – https://x.com/eKRAALhub/status/1168056043622010880

ITSP Magazine – https://www.itspmagazine.com/events/international-women-in-cyber-day-inaugural-celebration-2019

KeyData Associates – https://x.com/KeydataA/status/1433130310351429633

Concordia University (Women4Cyber)– https://x.com/concordiah2020/status/1300678500815380486

Data61 – https://x.com/Data61news/status/1300703321871663106

Roppers Academy – https://x.com/RoppersAcademy/status/1386386685794136072

SailWithAlba (Founder, Alba Perez) – https://x.com/alibiap/status/1168061974841896961

MISA Ontario – https://x.com/MISAOntario/status/1391820579502706688

National Security Institute USA – https://x.com/MasonNatSec/status/1697709224795455759

Nonprofit Cyber – https://x.com/NonprofitCyber/status/1697634145646649771

NCI Australia – https://x.com/NCInews/status/1301043454684794880

Irish Defence Force (1 Brigade) – https://x.com/1Bde_Official/status/1697639080056533200

CompTIA- https://www.comptia.org/newsroom/women-cybersecurity-society-and-comptia-partner-to-prepare-women-for-careers-in-cybersecurity

eSentire – https://x.com/eSentire/status/1433177268839399431

Dr. Hedy Fry (MP Vancouver Centre) – https://x.com/HedyFry/status/1407450835878125577

Tech Talent Canada – https://x.com/TechTalentCan/status/1565371842525040640

SheSec Pakistan – https://x.com/shesecpakistan/status/1433091972454092801

GovTech Singapore – https://x.com/GovTechSG/status/1565294475965972483

Virginia Cyber Range – https://x.com/VaCyberRange/status/1697656029868101870

ISC2 – https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2023/09/International-Women-in-Cyber-Day-Encourages-and-Celebrates-Women-All-Year-Long

Elder Abuse Prevention of Ontario – https://x.com/EAPreventionON/status/1565368865277755392

Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) – https://x.com/gnwp_gnwp/status/1565442764430610436

Maltego – https://x.com/MaltegoHQ/status/1565278627327053826

National Cryptologic Foundation USA – https://x.com/NCFcyber/status/1565418520480989185

IT Business Canada – https://x.com/itbusinessca/status/1433119970976669698

IT World Canada 2023- https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/international-women-in-cyber-security-day-slow-progress/545952

IT World Canada 2022 – https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/international-women-in-cyber-day-advice-just-say-yes/500901

IT World Canada 2021 – https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/cyber-security-today-sept-1-2021-women-in-cyber-day-weekend-cyber-attack-warning-worst-it-practices-and-beware-of-proxyware/457741

IT World Canada 2020 –

IT World Canada 2019 –

International Days – https://www.internationaldays.co/event-kids/international-women-in-cyber-day/r/recX3vmkJOeWwTHYL

MPP for Brampton Centre, Associate Minister of Women’s Social & Economic Opportunity – https://x.com/Charmomof5/status/1697714744466042927

PWC Canada – https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwpm4L9MKmU/

Cyber Magazine – https://cybermagazine.com/cyber-security/international-women-in-cyber-day-1st-september-2023

Cyber-Tech Institute of Australia (CTIA) – https://x.com/CyberTechAU/status/1697514334203912367

Cyderes (Cyber Defence & Response) – https://x.com/Cyderes/status/1565737586475286528

Secure Purple (Founder, Adnan Malik) – https://x.com/adnanmalikinfo/status/1300803140032311296

Enterprising Girls – https://x.com/AcademyforEG/status/1300674841452871680

Foley & Lardner LLP – https://www.foley.com/en/insights/publications/2023/08/intl-women-cyber-day-foley-information-security

InfoSecurity Europe – https://x.com/Infosecurity/status/1300832410628763649

We Are Tech Women – https://wearetechwomen.com/international-women-in-cyber-day-its-never-too-late-to-restart-even-with-an-apprenticeship/

The Vertex Project – https://x.com/vtxproject/status/1433176946461007872

VersaSec – https://x.com/versasec/status/1565218210290356224

Security Boulevard – https://securityboulevard.com/2023/09/celebrating-international-women-in-cyber-day-an-interview-with-axiads-karen-larson/

Telecom Review Africa – https://www.telecomreviewafrica.com/en/articles/features/3726-international-women-in-cyber-day-empowering-women-in-africa-and-beyond

Cyber Protection Magazine – https://cyberprotection-magazine.com/10261-2

ORION – https://x.com/ORIONNetwork/status/1433063647274799106

Hack Hunter (CEO, Tracie Thompson) – https://x.com/CEOTracie/status/1300616086027513856

Wicys Windsor – https://wicyswindsor.wordpress.com/2019/07/30/the-current-state-of-women-in-cybersecurity/

ASEAN Tech & Sec (Southeast Asian Nations) – https://aseantechsec.com/top-women-in-cyber-asean-region-recognising-iwcd2022/

Wicys Minnesota – https://mnwicys.org/events/

Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT) – https://x.com/WCITLivery/status/1200452782630809600

City of St. John’s –

City of Halifax – https://x.com/MikeSavageHFX/status/1567183474552889344

City of Charlettetown –

City of Fredricton –

City of Ottawa – https://x.com/JimWatsonOttawa/status/1565346308495331328

City of Regina –

City of Winnipeg –

City of Calgary –

City of Vancouver –

FORVIS (Cindy Boyle – National Practice Lead) – https://www.forvis.com/video/2023/08/international-women-in-cyber-day

Cybercrime Magazine – https://cybercrimemagazine.com

Pentara Security – https://x.com/penterasec/status/1701886505952620699

Data Security Council of India – https://x.com/DSCI_Connect/status/1565321346376028161

DigitalXRAID – https://www.linkedin.com/posts/digitalxraid-ltd_cybersecurity-internationalwomenincyberday-activity-7103337218139676672-ZrTn

Information Technology Outsource El Salvador – https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch-7f29NM3Z

Myntex Inc. – https://x.com/MyntexInc/status/1565464859147395078

IT Governance – https://x.com/ITGovernance/status/1432984131537940481

Integrity360 – https://x.com/Integrity360/status/1697271653128974431

Optiv (Cheryl McGrath) – https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/international-women-in-cyber-security-day-slow-progress/545952

Sekuro Australia – https://www.instagram.com/p/CwoYHJnRVJv/

ThreatQuotient – https://x.com/ThreatQuotient/status/1697595253375590819

Wicys San Diego – https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch-i2EsI4qX/

Women in Digital – https://womenindigital.org/?s=women+in+cyber+day

One In Tech – An ISACA Foundation – https://x.com/WeAreOneInTech/status/1433149240113438724?s=20

Blacks In Cybersecurity – https://x.com/BlackInCyberCo1/status/1698003157836517490

Exabeam – https://x.com/exabeam/status/1565465963272830978

IT Governance USA – https://x.com/ITG_USA/status/1565393854815248387

The Confident Mother – https://x.com/SherryRB/status/1697502317073850827

Xero Fox – https://x.com/ZeroFox/status/1565471228164509697

Inviciti Security (CPO Sonali Shah’s Story) – https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/international-women-in-cyber-day-advice-just-say-yes/500901

NC Tech Association – https://x.com/NCTA/status/1565396500246663170

UK Cyber Security Council – https://x.com/UKCyberCouncil/status/1610305612243402755

GRC eLearning – https://x.com/GRC_eLearning/status/1565293543853277185

Confidence Staveley – https://x.com/sisinerdtweets/status/1697522533250019484

Dr Magda Chelly– https://x.com/m49D4ch3lly/status/1565377321762230272

Women On Cyber – https://x.com/Womenoncyber/status/1565140845187289100

Yulia Cherdantseva (Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security at Cardiff University) – https://x.com/YCherdantseva/status/1565341904656826369

LatinX DLN – https://x.com/LatinxDLN/status/1435346220168486912

Day of Shecurity – https://x.com/DayOfShecurity/status/1433163487891558403

Elle Romanoff – https://x.com/dystopianllama/status/1433118412025257987

Lianne Potter (Head of SecOps UK) – https://x.com/Tech_Soapbox/status/1168062767292702720

Partner at EY Oceania (Michelle Price) – https://x.com/Mich11775/status/1565130895153307650

Ingrid Hernandez (Associate Attorney) – https://x.com/Ingrid_HdezS/status/1697681940554354704

Camille Stewart Gloster – https://x.com/CamilleEsq/status/1565410864714358785

Mia (Copenhagen) – https://x.com/mivsen/status/1168240677894983685

Jobl3ss Hack3r – https://x.com/Hack3rJobl3ss/status/1433055223271108608

Lee Reiber (CEO & Founder of Oxygen Forensics) – https://x.com/Celldet/status/1389673533895319554

Paramount Software Solutions – https://x.com/Paramount_GA/status/1565369917834240001

Penten – https://x.com/PentenCyber/status/1168027575492300800

Level Effect LLC – https://x.com/Level_Effect/status/1389248410503598083

Cardiff University (Prof. Pete Burnap) – https://x.com/pbFeed/status/1565439286023012353

CASIS Vancouver – https://x.com/CASISVancouver/status/1171908388982157312

Cybersecurity in Africa – https://x.com/CyberInAfrica/status/1432961424444252161

WCS2 Gambia – https://x.com/WCS2_Gambia/status/1565262032647102464

Innovation Cybersecurity Ecosystem at BLOCK71 (ICE71) – https://x.com/ICE71_/status/1300636372852551681

Triple OKLaw LLP, Kenya –

Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery MPP for Mississauga East-Cooksville (Kaleed Rasheed) – https://x.com/krasheedmpp/status/1697676424956506483

Techerati – https://x.com/The_Techerati/status/1697579440308379691

WIT Network – https://x.com/TheWITNetwork/status/1168194066128998400

Xalient (CEO, Sherry Vaswani) – https://x.com/Xalient/status/1697582943353340170

PRPR UK – https://x.com/prpr_uk/status/1697621089919131800

Dean Walton (PWC Partner) – https://x.com/DeanTWalton/status/1698726264159572131

Cybersixgill – https://x.com/Cybersixgill/status/1697715448580915518

Sincerely,

Board of Directors
IWCD Ambassadors

Advisory Committee

Women CyberSecurity Society

International Women in Cyber Day