Intel / Cyber Operations
Track cyber operations, digital conflict, cyber threats and strategic security developments through structured intelligence summaries.
Webinar: Empowering Women in Cyber Security | 6 March 2026
Summary
Dr. Mary Haigh discusses the ongoing challenges of gender representation in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts in diversity and inclusion. She highlights that despite progress, the industry remains male-dominated, with only 17% of the workforce being female. The importance of creating high-performing teams through diversity is underscored, as diverse teams are shown to be more effective in tackling cybersecurity challenges.
Haigh advocates for early encouragement of women in cybersecurity, stressing the need for a collaborative effort from industry, government, and academia. She emphasizes the importance of building inclusive cultures within organizations to attract and retain diverse talent. Initiatives such as internships, apprenticeships, and partnerships with organizations that support women in tech are crucial for expanding the talent pool.
The discussion also touches on the significance of mentorship and networking groups in empowering women in the field. Haigh notes that male advocates play a vital role in promoting inclusivity by amplifying women's voices and addressing inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Creating safe spaces for women to share their experiences and challenges is essential for fostering a supportive environment.
Effective leadership is highlighted as a key factor in empowering team members and promoting a culture of trust and psychological safety. Leaders must prioritize understanding their team's dynamics and providing opportunities for growth. Haigh shares personal experiences of how empowering others has led to higher retention rates and a more engaged workforce.
Perspectives
short
Pro-Diversity
- Emphasizes the need for sustained efforts in gender representation
- Advocates for early encouragement of women in cybersecurity
- Highlights the importance of mentorship and networking for women
- Stresses the role of male advocates in promoting inclusivity
- Calls for critical assessment of recruitment processes to attract diverse talent
- Encourages organizations to create inclusive cultures for better performance
Skeptical of Current Efforts
- Questions the effectiveness of existing diversity initiatives
- Highlights the risk of viewing diversity as a zero-sum game
Neutral / Shared
- Mentions the importance of psychological safety in teams
- Discusses the need for collaboration among industry, government, and academia
- Acknowledges the challenges of transitioning into cybersecurity from other fields
Metrics
percentage
44%
UK businesses reporting cyber security skill gaps
This indicates a significant need for skilled professionals in cybersecurity.
almost half of UK businesses 44% reported having cyber security skill gaps
workforce
17%
percentage of female workforce in the UK cyber sector
This highlights the significant gender disparity in a critical industry.
the UK government study that showed only 17% of those working in the cyber sector workforce a female
pupils reached
1.3 million pupils
number of pupils engaged through STEM initiatives
This outreach is crucial for building interest in STEM careers among young people.
1.3 million pupils and that's with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy
apprentices
5,100 employees
number of apprentices at BAE
This reflects BAE's commitment to developing talent in the cybersecurity sector.
5,100 apprentices of our employees
early careers
6,800 employees
total number of employees in early careers at BAE
This indicates a significant investment in nurturing new talent.
we've got 6,800 people in early careers
absenteeism
high stress levels high mental health problems lots of absenteeism
impact on productivity and innovation
High absenteeism can severely hinder organizational performance.
high stress levels high mental health problems lots of absenteeism
other
100 qualifications
job specifications for CISO roles
Excessive qualifications can deter qualified candidates from applying.
have you got a list of 100 qualifications that you're asking for if so rubbish
other
thousands applications
graduate scheme applications
High application volume necessitates a different recruitment approach.
when you're talking about a graduate scheme and it's thousands
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Dr. Mary Haigh emphasizes the ongoing challenges in achieving gender representation in cybersecurity, highlighting the need for sustained efforts in diversity and inclusion.
- Dr. Mary Haigh highlights the lack of progress in gender representation in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in diversity and inclusion
05:00–10:00
The UK cyber sector workforce is only 17% female, indicating a significant talent gap. Encouraging women into cybersecurity requires a collaborative effort from industry, government, and academia.
- The UK cyber sector workforce is only 17% female, highlighting a significant talent gap that needs addressing
- Encouraging women into cyber security requires a joint effort from industry, government, and academia from a young age
- Diverse teams enhance performance and job satisfaction, making inclusivity a priority for leaders
- BAE Systems fosters talent through internships, apprenticeships, and graduate programs to combat talent poaching
- 2,200 BAE employees engage 1.3 million pupils as STEM ambassadors, inspiring future generations in STEM
- Collaboration with organizations like Code for Girls diversifies the talent pipeline into cyber security
10:00–15:00
The cybersecurity workforce is only 17% female, indicating a significant need for diverse talent in the industry. BAE Systems implements various strategies, including flexible working arrangements and inclusive recruitment, to foster a balanced and diverse workforce.
- Dr. Mary Haigh highlights that only 17% of the cyber security workforce is female, emphasizing the need for diverse talent
- BAE Systems fosters diverse talent through internships and apprenticeships, aiming to grow the talent pool
- With 6,800 early career employees, including 5,100 apprentices, BAE engages 2,200 STEM ambassadors to inspire students
- Success stories from non-cyber backgrounds show that diverse experiences can thrive in the industry
- BAEs inclusive recruitment process promotes a balanced team of 50% male and female employees
- Flexible working arrangements support retention of diverse talent by accommodating various needs
15:00–20:00
Networking groups and mentoring schemes are crucial for supporting women in cybersecurity, fostering collaboration and empowerment. Male advocates play a significant role in enhancing workplace culture by amplifying women's voices and promoting inclusivity.
- Networking groups are essential for women in male-dominated environments, fostering support and collaboration
- The RISE mentoring scheme empowers women in cyber security through cross-industry support
- Male advocates amplify womens voices in meetings, ensuring their contributions are recognized
- Interventions by male colleagues can significantly improve workplace culture for women
- Diversity is a shared responsibility; male allies are stepping up to support womens empowerment
- Clear career pathways in cyber security promote professional growth and diversity
20:00–25:00
Effective leadership requires understanding team dynamics and empowering members to express their skills. A lack of empowerment can lead to disengagement and a toxic work environment.
- Leaders must understand their teams skills to create empowering moments, allowing members to shine and grow
- A managers role is to amplify their teams voice, reflecting positively on their leadership
- Empowerment fosters confidence in pursuing senior roles, attracting talent to the team
- Positive leadership behaviors influence team dynamics and propagate throughout the organization
- Lack of empowerment leads to disengagement and a toxic environment that stifles growth
- Clear direction and a safe space for experimentation are essential for trust and morale
25:00–30:00
High stress and mental health issues significantly impact productivity and innovation within teams. Empowerment and a supportive culture are essential for team efficiency and morale.
- High stress and mental health issues lead to absenteeism, impacting productivity and innovation
- Empowerment is crucial for team efficiency and morale, not a marginal issue
- Leaders must create a safe environment to prevent team members from feeling threatened
- Developing successors is vital for career progression and team readiness
- A positive team culture enhances passion and commitment, boosting organizational performance
- Strict decision-making protocols in defense can hinder agility in cyber contexts