National Cyber Emergency Response Team National CERT conducted a training lecture focused on gender biased employment challenges in cybersecurity as part of its Security Awareness for Female Empowerment and Resilience SAFER program. Organized through the Women in Cybersecurity Forum at FAST NUCES Islamabad, the session introduced female students and faculty to the realities of workplace disparities and the opportunities available for women who plan to enter cybersecurity. The session was structured to help participants understand how global and local employment dynamics shape the presence of women in the field and why certain gaps continue to exist despite rapid expansion in cybersecurity roles.
Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director GRC at National CERT, led the lecture and presented an overview of the trends that show how women remain underrepresented across many cybersecurity functions. She outlined the social, cultural, and organizational factors that often influence how women advance into specialised technical roles. Dr. Afzal discussed challenges that many women commonly encounter, including limited access to mentorship, workplace biases and reduced visibility in leadership pipelines. She also emphasized that women hold an essential place within cybersecurity because diverse teams contribute to safer and more adaptable security practices. Throughout the lecture she encouraged participants to understand the significance of their contributions and to recognise how supportive learning environments can shape more equality driven professional journeys.
Participants were engaged throughout the discussion and raised questions regarding the steps that could help make cybersecurity departments more inclusive. The session prompted conversations about policy awareness, skill development, and industry exposure as tools that can expand opportunities for women at the entry and mid career stages. The audience explored how mentorship networks and university supported initiatives can help address existing disparities by offering guidance and links to professional communities. Faculty members attending the session also shared perspectives on the changing expectations of the cybersecurity workforce and how academic institutions can collaborate with National CERT and other partners to assist students in preparing for various career pathways.
The SAFER program under which this session was held is designed to build awareness, resilience and confidence among women interested in cybersecurity roles. Through interactive forums such as this lecture, the program ensures that students can discuss career goals, analyse workplace challenges and exchange experiences in a setting that encourages growth. The session offered students from Cybersecurity and Computer Science departments the space to learn from experts while expressing their own ambitions, and it highlighted National CERT’s commitment to promoting equal opportunities within the sector. By sustaining these conversations and providing practical guidance, National CERT aims to continue creating platforms that support women as they pursue leadership and technical positions in cybersecurity.
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