PureCyber’s Pledge to Support Gender Equity in Cyber Security

International Women's Day (March 8) has occurred for well over a century and is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

PureCyber has long been an advocate of gender parity, working to encourage more women and girls to consider cyber security as interesting and exciting career option. Striving for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for their team and working with closely with partners to raise awareness of opportunities for all within the sector.

Partnering with Tramshed Tech on 8 March, they look to celebrate women working in technology, creative industries, and professional services from across South Wales, to celebrate women's achievements and build supportive networking and mentorship opportunities.

Ceri Maund, Head of Engagement, PureCyber says;

“We are passionate about diversity and creating an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and given equal opportunities. Encouraging more girls and women to consider a career in cyber security is something we strive for continuously, offering work experience, placements, and employment opportunities for an exciting career in a growing sector”

Rhiannon Hughes, Cyber Operations Executive, who after achieving a MSc in International Politics, began her journey at PureCyber through the Kickstart scheme said;

"I love working at PureCyber because of the friendly inclusive atmosphere. The office is a really happy environment, and everyone is motivated to work on projects that they’re passionate about. It’s especially nice to be part of a team where you’re always learning something new and being encouraged to progress”

Junior Penetration Tester at PureCyber and former placement student from Cardiff University, Melanie Meijer, agrees and encourages others to take the leap into cyber security.

“If you are interested in going into cyber security, my main advice would be to just go for it; don’t let anyone tell you that cyber security is an unsuitable career for women because it truly isn’t! There are so many opportunities out there, and the whole field revolves around having teams of different people who have different perspectives and ways of thinking”

Considering the technology sector as a whole however, Louise Harris, Founder, Tramshed Tech stresses that there is much more to be done "To see more women in tech, we need to encourage the next generation of women and mentor and showcase current female talent.

Research shows that generally young women decide that STEM is not a career for them by the age of 12 and this is concerning because a lot of the great things that are happening to address inequalities in the sector are aimed at a 12+ market. I think that one of the challenges is that we need to start earlier in the pipeline, and that needs to extend across the piece to address other inequalities in our sector." On International Women’s Day we have the chance to reflect and push forward the agenda to encourage more women and girls to consider a career in technology. Cyber First work tirelessly to increase diversity, including gender diversity and encourage children of all ages to consider a career in the technology sector. Holly-Marie Lidbury, CyberFirst Schools Wales Lead adds “Diversity is crucial within the Cyber Security industry, not just for its own sake, but because we will never come up with the most secure solutions to things with a homogeneous way of thinking. The sector also offers fantastic, diverse and fulfilling careers for women who decide to go into it – that is why we put so much effort into inspiring girls into cyber from as young an age as possible”.

If you would be interested in supporting women in technology, finding out more about opportunities to work in tech and cyber in Wales, or would like details of the PureCyber Next Gen Academy and the career and business support that Tramshed Tech provide then please reach out on info@purecyber.com

#IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity