Lynn Dohm
Executive Director, Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
In the 2023 State of Inclusion Benchmark Report in Cybersecurity, learn how inclusion impacts women in the field and the actionable insights needed to foster true diversity and inclusion.
As Executive Director of WiCyS, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and disparities women face in the cybersecurity field. Our latest research, the 2023 State of Inclusion Benchmark in Cybersecurity, conducted in collaboration with Aleria, gives us concrete data that brings those experiences into sharper focus.
Women in cybersecurity face exclusion
It’s one thing to know there’s a gap; it’s another to understand why it exists and how we can bridge it. This report is the first of its kind, providing a deep dive into the workplace realities of over 1,000 employees across more than 20 organisations. Women make up just 24% of the cybersecurity workforce, and they’re experiencing exclusion at twice the rate of men.
That’s not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of the daily struggles many of us know too well. Whether it is being passed over for a promotion, feeling overlooked in meetings or facing outright disrespect, women are dealing with barriers that shouldn’t exist.
What stood out to me in this report is how respect, career growth, access and recognition emerged as the top areas where women are facing exclusion. It’s not just about numbers — these are real women’s stories of being undervalued and sometimes blatantly disrespected. As a woman in cybersecurity, I’ve felt those moments too — but it’s more than just a feeling now; it’s documented, and we can’t ignore it.
We have the data, we have the insights
and now, it’s time to make real change.
Power of partnerships
One of the report’s most powerful takeaways is the impact of our partnerships. Women working in organisations that are WiCyS strategic partners report 49% fewer experiences of exclusion and are 64% more satisfied in their jobs. That’s a huge difference, and it shows how important it is for companies to take intentional steps toward inclusion.
It’s not just good for women; it’s good for business. When diverse perspectives are valued, we see new approaches to solving problems, better solutions to cybersecurity threats and stronger teams overall.
Enabling change with data
This report isn’t just a wake-up call. It’s a call to action. We have the data, we have the insights and now, it’s time to make real change. At WiCyS, we are committed to helping the cybersecurity industry build inclusive cultures where every woman can thrive, and this report is a crucial part of that journey.
