Global Cybersecurity Forum Announces Women in Cyber Awards Winners

The Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF), in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations in New York, has announced the winners of the inaugural international Women in Cyber Awards during a ceremony held at United Nations headquarters. The event took place on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to advance women’s participation in the cybersecurity field. The ceremony honored government, private-sector, and nonprofit organizations from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Switzerland, and Sri Lanka, recognizing their outstanding contributions to empowering women in cybersecurity.

The awards ceremony was attended by prominent international figures, including Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN Women; and Abdulrahman Al Hassan, CEO of the Global Cybersecurity Forum. Their presence underscored the global significance of this initiative and the collective commitment to fostering women’s leadership in a critical and rapidly evolving field. The awards represent a landmark moment for international cooperation in cybersecurity and women’s empowerment.

Context and Background

How did this groundbreaking initiative come to fruition, and what does it signify for the global cybersecurity landscape? The Women in Cyber Awards were first announced in March, coinciding with International Women’s Day, by the Global Cybersecurity Forum in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union and UN Women. This announcement laid the groundwork for an international framework dedicated to recognizing and promoting effective institutional initiatives that advance women’s participation and leadership in cybersecurity. The awards are part of the broader Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering gender equality and empowering women in fields traditionally dominated by men. Cybersecurity, a critical component of national and global security, has long faced a significant gender gap. According to industry reports, women hold only about 25 percent of cybersecurity jobs globally, despite representing nearly half of the workforce. This disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted efforts to attract, retain, and advance women in the field. The Women in Cyber Awards aim to address this gap by celebrating organizations that have demonstrated exemplary practices in supporting women’s careers and leadership in cybersecurity.

The inaugural awards featured four distinct categories, each addressing a critical stage in women’s professional development: building and supporting emerging talent; raising awareness and highlighting women’s contributions; developing skills and advancing careers; and supporting women’s access to leadership positions and entrepreneurship. Together, these categories form a comprehensive approach that links education, awareness, and early training with labor-market needs, while supporting efforts to attract women’s talent, facilitate their entry into the field, develop and retain their capabilities, and advance their careers. This holistic strategy is designed to prepare women cybersecurity leaders and decision-makers who can drive innovation and resilience in an increasingly digital world.

Key Details

What specific achievements were recognized at this inaugural ceremony, and how do they reflect the global momentum toward inclusive cybersecurity? The ceremony honored organizations from four countries across the four award categories. In the category of building and supporting emerging talent, a government entity from Saudi Arabia was recognized for its innovative programs that nurture young women’s interest in cybersecurity from an early age. In the category of raising awareness and highlighting women’s contributions, a nonprofit organization from the United States received accolades for its campaigns that spotlight the achievements of women in the field and challenge stereotypes.

In the category of developing skills and advancing careers, a private-sector company from Switzerland was awarded for its comprehensive training and mentorship programs that help women upskill and progress in their cybersecurity careers. Finally, in the category of supporting women’s access to leadership positions and entrepreneurship, an organization from Sri Lanka was honored for its initiatives that provide women with the resources, networks, and funding needed to ascend to leadership roles or launch their own cybersecurity ventures. These winners exemplify the diverse and impactful efforts taking place across the globe to empower women in cybersecurity.

The awards ceremony also served as a platform for sharing best practices and building international networks. Attendees included representatives of diplomatic missions to the United Nations, international organizations, leaders, and experts. The event highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the gender gap in cybersecurity. By bringing together governments, businesses, and civil society, the Women in Cyber Awards foster a global community of practice that can scale successful initiatives and inspire further action. The recognition of these organizations not only celebrates their achievements but also encourages others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that can transform the cybersecurity workforce.

International and Regional Impact

How will these awards influence the global cybersecurity landscape, and what role will Saudi Arabia play in shaping the future of the field? The Women in Cyber Awards represent a significant step toward closing the gender gap in cybersecurity, which is essential for building a resilient and inclusive digital economy. By honoring organizations that have successfully advanced women’s participation, the awards set a benchmark for excellence and provide a roadmap for others to emulate. The international recognition of these efforts is expected to catalyze further investment in women’s cybersecurity education, training, and leadership development.

For Saudi Arabia, hosting and supporting this initiative reinforces its position as a global leader in cybersecurity and women’s empowerment. The Kingdom has made substantial strides in recent years to enhance women’s roles in society and the economy, in line with Vision 2030. The Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is a testament to this commitment. By partnering with the ITU and UN Women, Saudi Arabia is helping to set a global agenda that aligns with its domestic priorities and showcases its proactive approach to international cooperation. The awards also strengthen Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic ties and its reputation as a responsible global actor.

Regionally, the awards could have a profound impact on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where women’s participation in cybersecurity remains relatively low. By highlighting successful models from around the world, the initiative provides a blueprint for MENA countries to develop their own programs to attract and retain women in cybersecurity. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this area can inspire neighboring countries to adopt similar measures, fostering a more inclusive and secure digital environment across the region. The awards also promote knowledge exchange and collaboration, which are vital for addressing shared cybersecurity challenges.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic and strategic benefits arise from advancing women’s participation in cybersecurity, and why is this initiative critical for Saudi Arabia’s future? The cybersecurity industry faces a persistent talent shortage, with millions of positions unfilled globally. By tapping into the underutilized talent pool of women, organizations can address this shortage and enhance their cyber resilience. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and better equipped to solve complex problems, which is particularly important in cybersecurity, where threats are constantly evolving. The Women in Cyber Awards encourage organizations to invest in women’s talent, leading to a more robust and dynamic cybersecurity workforce.

For Saudi Arabia, advancing women in cybersecurity is not only a matter of gender equality but also a strategic imperative. As the Kingdom accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. By empowering women to take on leadership roles in this field, Saudi Arabia can ensure that its digital infrastructure is protected by a diverse and talented workforce. Moreover, the initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s broader goals of increasing women’s participation in the labor force and fostering a knowledge-based economy. The awards also position Saudi Arabia as a hub for cybersecurity innovation and talent, attracting global partnerships and investment.

The economic impact of women’s participation in cybersecurity extends beyond the industry itself. Empowering women in this field contributes to overall economic growth by increasing productivity and innovation. It also helps reduce gender disparities in income and employment, leading to more inclusive and sustainable development. The Women in Cyber Awards, by recognizing and promoting best practices, create a virtuous cycle that benefits not only the winners but also the broader economy. As more organizations adopt these practices, the cumulative effect can be transformative, driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to gender equality and decent work.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Women in Cyber Awards initiative align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and what does it signify for the Kingdom’s global role? Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, empower its citizens, and enhance its global standing. A key pillar of this vision is increasing women’s participation in the workforce and promoting gender equality. The Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative directly supports these objectives by creating opportunities for women to excel in a high-demand field. It also reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to international cooperation and its desire to contribute to global challenges, such as cybersecurity and gender parity.

Furthermore, the initiative showcases Saudi Arabia’s leadership in leveraging technology for social good. By partnering with the ITU and UN Women, the Kingdom demonstrates its ability to convene global stakeholders and drive meaningful change. The awards ceremony at the United Nations headquarters underscores Saudi Arabia’s active role in multilateral forums and its dedication to the principles of the UN Charter. As the Kingdom continues to implement Vision 2030, initiatives like the Women in Cyber Awards will play a crucial role in shaping its legacy as a modern, forward-looking nation that champions inclusivity and innovation on the world stage.

20 Questions

Q1. What are the Women in Cyber Awards?

A1. The Women in Cyber Awards are an international recognition program launched by the Global Cybersecurity Forum in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union and UN Women to honor organizations that advance women’s participation and leadership in cybersecurity.

Q2. When and where were the inaugural awards announced?

A2. The inaugural awards were announced at a ceremony held at United Nations headquarters in New York on October 1, 2026, on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Q3. Who attended the awards ceremony?

A3. Attendees included Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General; Sima Bahous, UN Women Executive Director; Abdulrahman Al Hassan, GCF CEO; and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations.

Q4. Which countries received awards?

A4. Organizations from Saudi Arabia, the United States, Switzerland, and Sri Lanka received awards across the four categories.

Q5. What are the four award categories?

A5. The categories are building and supporting emerging talent; raising awareness and highlighting women’s contributions; developing skills and advancing careers; and supporting women’s access to leadership positions and entrepreneurship.

Q6. Who launched the Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative?

A6. The initiative was launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

Q7. When was the Women in Cyber Awards first announced?

A7. The awards were announced in March, coinciding with International Women’s Day, by the GCF in cooperation with the ITU and UN Women.

Q8. What is the purpose of the awards?

A8. The awards highlight effective institutional initiatives and practices that advance women’s participation and leadership in cybersecurity, providing an international framework for sharing expertise and encouraging impactful action.

Q9. How do the categories reflect a comprehensive approach?

A9. The categories address the entire career lifecycle, from emerging talent and awareness to skills development and leadership, linking education and training with labor-market needs to prepare women leaders.

Q10. Why is advancing women in cybersecurity important?

A10. It helps address the global talent shortage, enhances innovation and resilience, and promotes gender equality, contributing to a more secure and inclusive digital economy.

Q11. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from this initiative?

A11. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in cybersecurity and women’s empowerment, supports Vision 2030 goals, and strengthens its global partnerships and reputation.

Q12. What is the role of the ITU in the awards?

A12. The ITU, as a co-organizer, provides technical expertise and global reach, helping to promote the awards and advance women’s participation in cybersecurity worldwide.

Q13. What is the role of UN Women?

A13. UN Women collaborates on the initiative to ensure gender equality perspectives are integrated, leveraging its global advocacy and networks to support women’s advancement in cybersecurity.

Q14. How does the awards ceremony align with UN goals?

A14. It supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, by promoting women’s participation in a critical sector.

Q15. What impact will the awards have on the cybersecurity industry?

A15. The awards set benchmarks, share best practices, and inspire organizations to invest in women’s talent, leading to a more diverse, innovative, and effective cybersecurity workforce globally.

Q16. How can organizations participate in future awards?

A16. Organizations can learn about the awards through the GCF, ITU, and UN Women channels and submit their initiatives for consideration in upcoming cycles.

Q17. What does the award symbolize for Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A17. It symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s proactive leadership in addressing global challenges, its commitment to multilateralism, and its dedication to empowering women in line with Vision 2030.

Q18. How does the initiative support women’s entrepreneurship?

A18. One award category specifically supports women’s access to leadership and entrepreneurship, providing resources and recognition that help women launch and grow cybersecurity ventures.

Q19. What are the next steps for the Women Empowerment in Cybersecurity initiative?

A19. The initiative will continue to promote best practices, expand partnerships, and encourage more organizations to advance women in cybersecurity, with future award cycles planned.

Q20. How does this initiative reflect Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?

A20. It aligns with Vision 2030 by empowering women, fostering a knowledge-based economy, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global engagement, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

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