We’re thrilled that the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards are returning in 2024 for the fourth consecutive year. Hosted by Eskenzi PR, with media partner the IT Security Guru, the event will be held at the magnificent BT Tower in London, on the 27th of February 2024.
It’s my second Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards and my first in the helm (alongside the incredible women at Eskenzi, headed by Yvonne). What I love about the event is that it’s run by women, for women. It’s wholly community-focused and far greater than just an evening about gender. It’s about continuing a conversation that has been opened up by all the incredible women who have come before.
At the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards last week, I noticed just how many women were in attendance and being celebrated, from the incredible CyberWomen University networks, to Diversity Champion Rebecca Taylor at Secureworks, and Cybersecurity Wellness Advocate, Nikki Webb. Things are changing, but now’s not the time to stop.
A 2022 survey of 2000 female STEM students examined the key barriers to women’s empowerment in cybersecurity and found that they fall into two main categories: access and agency. They discovered that women struggle with having a lack of female role models and mentors, general negative perceptions of cybersecurity, and a lingering perception of the industry as masculine. Events like the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber aim to fight this.
Crucially, we can’t be what we can’t see.
What’s The Event About?
The night of the event is split into three parts: a panel discussion with industry leaders, an awards ceremony, and a networking event held at the top of the BT Tower overlooking London.
Panel Discussion
Before the awards kick off, we hold a panel discussion with some of the most respected names in the industry. This discussion goes far beyond just being about being a woman in cyber. It’s a time to share and reflect on the industry as a whole and open a discussion about the future. It’s about moving the conversation forward.
The Awards
We ask the public to nominate candidates from around the globe, with the final Top 20 Women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. A profile on each of these Top 20 Women is then published with our media partner, the IT Security Guru, which receives over 45,000 views every month.
We also recognise and showcase the next generation of cybersecurity stars.
Networking
Networking is often seen as a barrier for women in cybersecurity. The lack of opportunities to network with people at completely different stages of their careers are noticeable too. That’s why we wanted to create a space where women can talk to each other and forge lasting bonds.
What About Afterwards?
The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber event is not performative. We strive to create lasting change. That’s why we encourage long lasting mentorship programmes and spread the news about our winners far and wide.
All nominees are invited to the awards ceremony, and they are encouraged to bring a plus one – someone the nominee believes would benefit from a networking event such as this (e.g. a mentee, colleague etc.). In the past, we have also live-streamed the event for those who are unable to attend in person.
How Can I Get Involved?
We’re currently on the lookout for sponsors! To learn more about the sponsorship options available for this fantastic event, and how event sponsors can promote their brand to cybersecurity leaders via our partner, The IT Security Guru, please contact me: Charley Nash, charley@eskenzipr.com.
We’ll be opening our nominations soon too! You can pre-register for more information here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Z62NGHW
