By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, April 2, GNA – Stakeholders in the digital ecosystem have urged women to leverage fellowships, professional communities and structured learning platforms to bridge the gender gap in cybersecurity and internet governance.
They said structured programmes offered by these organisations provided practical entry points for women seeking careers in cybersecurity and digital policy and should be fully utilised.
The advice was given during a webinar on “Digital Rights, Cyber Safety and Internet Governance for Women” organised by Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) West Africa Affiliate in collaboration with the Internet Society to mark International Women’s Day.
Mrs Olayinka Naa Dzama Wilson‑Kofi, President of WiCyS West Africa, outlined practical entry points for women seeking careers in the field, highlighting the importance of combining learning, visibility and community engagement.
She said joining credible platforms such as the Internet Governance Forum, WiCyS and other professional networks provided access to mentorship, scholarships, internships and hands‑on learning opportunities, while fellowship programmes under global digital platforms offered structured pathways for exposure and career advancement.
Mrs Wilson‑Kofi introduced a 30‑day action framework for beginners, explaining that women should start by selecting a specific area within cybersecurity or internet governance, such as Governance, Risk and Compliance, then proceed to join a relevant community at the local or regional level.
She noted that within that period, participants should undertake at least one visible activity, such as attending a webinar, completing a course or volunteering, while also sharing their learning experiences on LinkedIn to build visibility and connect strategically with professionals in their chosen field.
Miss Julia Asante‑Mensah, Vice President of WiCyS West Africa, advised women to balance online visibility with personal security by making use of privacy settings and digital protection tools.
She urged users to enable two‑factor authentication and limit the sharing of sensitive personal information such as location, daily routines and home addresses, while cautioning against resharing harmful content, particularly intimate images circulated online.
Madam Golde Assan, Head of Education and Sustainability Committee of the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, highlighted the need for equitable access to affordable internet and safe digital learning spaces for women.
She noted that global organisations such as the International Telecommunication Union, ICANN and the United Nations shaped digital policies that influenced national frameworks, including Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 and Data Protection Act, 2012.
Madam Gifty Asamoah, Women and Youth Committee Chair of the Internet Society Ghana Chapter, underscored the importance of women’s participation in policy‑making, noting that their absence often resulted in gaps in addressing issues such as stalking, impersonation and cyber abuse.
She identified barriers including limited access to resources, lack of visible role models, financial constraints and perceptions of male dominance in technology spaces.
The stakeholders reiterated that small, consistent actions, including joining communities, participating in policy discussions and engaging with mentors, could serve as critical entry points for women to build careers in cybersecurity and contribute meaningfully to shaping inclusive digital policies.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey