JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 6, 2021/ -- Key findings:
- More than 445 teachers from 14 African countries uncover the route to technology and cybersecurity careers for African girls
- Only 3.7% of African schools offer cybersecurity as a subject
- It has become critical to dispel the stereotypes for women, to inspire
them to enter technology, and to create positive role models that change the shape of the industry
The 2021 Tomorrow’s Cyber Heroines study undertaken by CyberHeroines,
KnowBe4 Africa and Infosphere Limited surveyed more than 445 teachers
across 14 African countries to unpack the complexities that face African girls in the technology landscape. With Africa’s future reliant on its
ability to adapt to digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial
Revolution (4IR), levelling the playing field for women has become
critical. It has never been more important to change the cybersecurity
workforce gender statistics than it is today.
“We have to give
girls more opportunities, inspire them to get involved in technology and the cybersecurity field, and to remove the preconceived and socialised
ideas that prevent women from pursuing careers in technology,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy and Evangelist KnowBe4 Africa. “The
world is digitising rapidly and women are at risk of being left behind.
We have to change the dialogue around technology and make it more
inclusive for women and girls.”
Women are already at a disadvantage. A recent study (http://bit.ly/39RuMGq) by the Association for Progressive Communications underscored the reality
of the gender digital divide. In Africa women have less access to
internet-based technologies than men, they have fewer opportunities,
they are even more limited in their ability to move out from under
poverty. As the world continues to move into automation, women will be
the most affected as their roles are replaced by machines. Change has to start now, it has to start at home, and it has to be carried through
into education.
“We want African women to participate in the
digital age – we cannot leave them behind,” says Aprielle Oichoe,
Managing Director of InfoSphere. “We must empower girls to go into
technology and this starts at a young age. We need to make a conscious
decision to change the way we treat young girls. The dialogue needs to
focus on making technology interesting for girls, not just something
that they should ‘leave to their brother.”
The study found that a lack of education, limited guidance, minimal role models and societal
preconceptions are having a serious, long-term impact on women’s careers and futures. With cybersecurity and technology struggling to find
skilled people, the market is wide open for those with the talent and
the training to build sustainable and successful futures. In addition to thriving careers, training and education in technology and
cybersecurity is essential for the wellbeing of young girls and women in Africa.
“According to research, women of colour are 34% more
likely to be targeted by online hate speech than their white
counterparts, and a huge percentage of African girls are concerned about their online safety,” says Collard. “We must give them the tools,
training and confidence they need to prepare for this online vitriol,
and protect themselves.”
The key factors inhibiting women’s entry to the worlds of technology and cybersecurity include: negative
stereotypes, lack of role models or mentors, low self-confidence, and
competing in a male-dominated industry. Women are generally discouraged
from careers in STEM and steered towards traditionally female roles
instead.
“There is no such thing as a female role, not anymore,”
says Oichoe. “Now there is just opportunity. We just have to make sure
that this opportunity is given to everyone.”
The report unpacks
the findings, the insights, and the solutions put forward by educators
and experts across Africa. It examines the education curriculum, the
challenges facing young African girls today, and it looks at suggested
initiatives that can be implemented to shift perceptions and transform
the future for the women of Africa. Download the report here (https://bit.ly/3cKQmy8), or go to www.CyberHeroines.com to find out more.