Abuja: The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for greater inclusion of women in cybersecurity, stressing that the field will remain relevant as digital technologies continue to evolve. The Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, made the call at a one-day Cyber for Women Training on Empowering Women in Cybersecurity, organised by NITDA in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity Nigeria (WiCyS) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training, supported by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), was part of the activities to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated globally every March 8. Represented by Dr. Ayodele Bakare, Assistant Director, Cybersecurity Department of NITDA, Inuwa noted that women remained significantly underrepresented in the cybersecurity workforce in spite of the growing importance of digital security. “Women’s representation in cybersecurity is less than 25 percent globally and even in Nigeria it is really very low.”
He emphasized that cybersecurity affects everyone regardless of gender, making it necessary to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe online. “The reality is that cybersecurity is genderless and that is why it is important that we bring women up to speed. As far as cybersecurity is concerned, women in Nigeria should be able to protect themselves whenever they are playing, working, communicating, collaborating or having financial transactions online.”
The President of WiCyS, Ms. Patricia Eromosele, highlighted that the global demand for cybersecurity professionals was projected to grow significantly in the coming years. “According to the latest statistics, the number of cybersecurity professionals we will need in the next five to 10 years will rise by 32 to 40 percent,” she said. Eromosele noted that the anticipated growth in job opportunities, education, and awareness required greater participation of women in the sector.
Mrs. Oluwatoni Falade, Vice President of CSEAN, pointed out that the cybersecurity profession remained male-dominated, with women accounting for only a small fraction of practitioners. She stressed that increasing women’s participation would bring diverse perspectives needed to address cybersecurity challenges. “The way women handle things is different from men and we need both genders on the table in order to see the solutions properly.”
A participant, Amina Abdulrasheed, said she chose to participate in the training because online spaces both for personnel and organizations required security. Abdulrasheed also mentioned that transitioning from the health sector to tech, she learned there were different domains in cybersecurity. Another participant, Saraniya Maki, expressed that she had been inspired to build a career in cybersecurity, commending the organizers of the programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 55 women were trained in the Cyber for Women programme.