The city of Rabat is set to host an African gathering focused on enhancing women's presence in cybersecurity. The ECOWAS Women in Cybersecurity event, running from November 16-20, brings together specialists, experts, and representatives from African and international institutions. This initiative aims to qualify and empower women to contribute to addressing digital security challenges and expand their participation in shaping policies and strategies related to protecting the cyber space.
The event is led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in partnership with Morocco's General Directorate for Information System Security, Smart Africa, and the World Bank. The goal is to create opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in institutions and bodies concerned with cybersecurity and enhance their presence in think tanks and decision-making centers. Professionals and representatives from various institutions, along with women specialists in the field from multiple African countries, will participate in the event.
The five-day program includes strategic discussion sessions, technical workshops, and practical training sessions, such as simulating cyber crisis situations. This aims to enhance the participants' abilities to deal with digital risks and exchange experiences with international specialists. Discussions will focus on issues related to protecting digital systems, including managing national teams responsible for responding to information incidents, securing vital infrastructure, and combating cybercrime.
The event also covers topics such as utilizing artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, improving the exchange of information on digital threats between African countries, and enhancing coordination among concerned parties. The program includes a segment on developing partnerships between the public and private sectors. Additionally, participants will undertake professional visits to institutions and bodies active in Morocco's digital system to learn about their experiences and working mechanisms.
The initiative is expected to conclude with the announcement of the establishment of the ECOWAS Women in Cybersecurity network. This network will serve as a framework for communication and cooperation among women working in the sector, through mentorship programs and creating a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences. The organizers hope this framework will support the emergence of African women leaders in cybersecurity and enhance their contribution to shaping public policies related to digital security.
The event's opening ceremony will feature a speech by General Abdullah Boutrik, Deputy Head of the African Network of Cybersecurity Authorities and Director-General of the General Directorate for Information System Security. Participants will include professionals and representatives from various institutions, alongside women specialists in the field from multiple African countries.
The ECOWAS Women in Cybersecurity event reflects a regional approach to qualifying women's skills and empowering them to contribute to addressing digital security challenges. The initiative supports the ability of African countries to face increasing threats in cyberspace and promotes women's participation in drawing up public policies related to digital security.
Key points
- The ECOWAS Women in Cybersecurity event aims to enhance women's presence in cybersecurity and create opportunities for them to take on leadership roles in the field.
