Recently, I had the honor of representing UN Women UK as a delegate volunteer at the 68th Commission on the State of Women. This experience profoundly illuminated the harsh realities faced by women worldwide, particularly concerning poverty and the urgent need for investment in their empowerment.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, aptly remarked, “Poverty still has a woman’s face.” This resonates deeply as women confront challenges ranging from conflict zones to unrecognized care work. Shockingly, current statistics indicate that 1 in 10 women live in extreme poverty, with projections painting an even more dire picture for the future if trends persist.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, also highlighted a pressing issue - the gender disparity in technology. The dominance of men in tech leadership perpetuates biased systems, sidelining women's rights. Therefore, we must bridge this digital gender gap to harness the full economic potential of women. His remarks underscore the urgency of ensuring women have decision-making roles in technology.
Furthermore, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, head of the US delegation, emphasized the economic imperative of empowering women. She noted that closing the gender gap in the workforce could add trillions to the global GDP. However, significant barriers persist, including legal obstacles and underrepresentation in well-paying jobs and industries. This situation demands a multifaceted approach guided by principles of economic participation, human rights, education, and inclusivity.
ISACA’s Role in Promoting Gender Equality in Technology
This brings us to ISACA's crucial role in addressing gender inequality within the tech industry. Recognizing the projected demand for cyber professionals and the persistent gender imbalance, ISACA is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity.
The ISACA Foundation spearheads initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of digital trust leaders, particularly from historically underrepresented communities. Through programs like the ISACA Scholarship Program and the Digital Trust Workforce Inclusion Program, ISACA provides equitable access to education, training, and career opportunities.
- The ISACA Scholarship Program offers global awards to students, accompanied by resources to accelerate career growth.
- The Digital Trust Workforce Inclusion Program amplifies access to ISACA training for underrepresented individuals, empowering them to thrive in IT audit and cyber roles.
Furthermore, ISACA’s SheLeadsTech program focuses on promoting and inspiring women in IS/IT leadership roles. Through local chapters and online communities, SheLeadsTech provides mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities, empowering women to lead in the technology sector.
A Collective Endeavor
Investing in women’s empowerment is a collective endeavor, and ISACA stands at the forefront of this movement. Join us in driving meaningful change and creating a more inclusive future for all. Now is the time to act!
For more information on ISACA Foundation scholarships and how to apply, visit: https://www.isaca.org/about-us/isaca-foundation
To learn more and to become involved in SheLeadsTech local events and activities, kindly contact your local ISACA chapter. You can also join the global online community to discuss strategies that provide women the support and action they need to grow their careers and lead within the technology industry here: https://www.isaca.org/membership/sheleadstech.