As part of measures to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD 2024), the Slamm Foundation, International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) and Yadaba Communications are partnering to offer a free, one-week intensive cyber-security training programme for young women aged 20 to 36.
The programme, which runs from March 4 to 8 in Kumasi, under the 2024 IWD general campaign theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’, will address the gender gap in the tech industry by providing women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in cyber-security.
Director for Slamm Foundation, who doubles as Chief Operations Officer for Slamm Technologies, Fransisca Boateng, said this represents a great opportunity for women who were never encouraged to pursue STEM careers.
She said while an Information Technology degree can be helpful, it is not mandatory and cyber skills can be taught on the job. “This programme is designed to open doors for young women to the burgeoning field of cyber-security, addressing the gender gap and fostering equality in this critical area of technology,” she said.
She added that the “Slamm Foundation and ISC2 are committed to providing a comprehensive learning experience that not only covers the fundamentals of cyber-security, but also offers insights into the latest trends and practices in the field”. The programme includes a combination of practical skills training, mentorship and insights into the latest cyber-security trends.
Bridging the gender gap in cyber-security
Despite the growing demand for cyber-security professionals worldwide, women remain underrepresented in the tech sector, particularly in specialised fields like cyber-security.
An ISC2 study highlighted the dramatic decline in the percentage of girls choosing I.T., tech or computer classes past primary school. Meanwhile, a PWC research reported that just 3 percent of women who studied Information Technology at the tertiary level went on to work in cyber-security. This programme aims to change that narrative by offering young women the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to excel within the domain.
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at ISC2, Dwan Jones, made a clarion call to young women on the need to participate in the training and any other training that presents an opportunity to study cyber-security. “We invite young women with a passion for technology and an interest in cyber-security to seize this unparalleled opportunity and any other opportunity that they lay their hands on, particularly in the field of cyber-security,” she noted.
Public Relations Executive at Yadaba Communications, Mabel Ocansey, said the programme would not be just a talking shop but one that drives impact. “This promises not only to equip participants with valuable skills, but also to inspire them to pursue careers in a field where they can truly make a difference,” she said.
The Slamm Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups in technology through education, training and mentorship programmes. Our mission is to create a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem.
ISC2 is a leading international non-profit membership association for information security leaders. We are committed to helping our members learn, grow and thrive by providing education, certifications and networking opportunities.
Yadaba Communications is a boutique communications firm specialising in tech-enabled solutions. Driven by a commitment to excellence and a strategic understanding of the tech landscape, Yadaba Communications offers a range of services, including public relations, content marketing, digital marketing, and event management. The firm’s team of experienced professionals is adept at crafting and executing targeted communication campaigns that drive brand awareness, engagement and results.
