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 program for young women aged 20 to 36.
The program, 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 cybersecurity.
Fransisca Boateng, Director for Slamm Foundation and Chief Operations Officer at Slamm Technologies, said this represents a great opportunity for women who were never encouraged to pursue STEM careers.
She emphasized that while an information technology degree can be helpful, it is not mandatory: “Cyber skills can be taught on the job.”
“This program is designed to open doors for young women to the burgeoning field of cybersecurity, addressing the gender gap and fostering equality in this critical area of technology.”
She added: “The Slamm Foundation and ISC2 are committed to providing a comprehensive learning experience that not only covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity but also offers insights into the latest trends and practices in the field.”
Bridging the Gender Gap in Cybersecurity
Despite the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals worldwide, women remain underrepresented in the tech sector. According to an ISC2 study, there’s a dramatic decline in the percentage of girls choosing IT, tech, or computer classes after primary school. Meanwhile, PwC research reports that only 3% of women who studied information technology at the tertiary level go on to work in cybersecurity.
This program aims to change that narrative by offering young women the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to excel in this domain.
Dwan Jones, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ISC2, made a clarion call to young women:
“We invite young women with a passion for technology and an interest in cybersecurity to seize this unparalleled opportunity — and any other opportunity they come across — particularly in the field of cybersecurity.”
Mabel Ocansey, Public Relations Executive at Yadaba Communications, stressed that the program would not be just a talkshop, 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.”
---
About The Slamm Foundation
The Slamm Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups in technology through education, training, and mentorship programs. Our mission is to create a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem.
About ISC2
ISC2 is a leading international nonprofit membership association for information security leaders. We are committed to helping our members learn, grow, and thrive by providing education, certifications, and networking opportunities.
About Yadaba Communications
Yadaba Communications is a boutique communications firm specializing in tech-enabled solutions. Driven by excellence and a strategic understanding of the tech landscape, the firm offers public relations, content marketing, digital marketing, and event management services. Their team crafts targeted campaigns that drive brand awareness, engagement, and measurable results.