The National Cyber Emergency Response Team delivered a focused training lecture on gender-biased employment challenges in cybersecurity under its Security Awareness for Female Empowerment and Resilience (SAFER) initiative, engaging female students and faculty through the Women in Cybersecurity forum at FAST-NUCES in Islamabad.
Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director GRC at National CERT, led the session and reviewed both global and local trends that underline the persistent underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity. She examined systemic factors that create barriers to entry and progression, and emphasized the importance of recognizing women as central contributors to a secure and innovative cyber ecosystem.
Participants discussed how increased awareness, targeted mentorship and inclusive policies can help close the gender gap. The session highlighted practical steps institutions and employers can take to create equitable recruitment, retention and professional development pathways for women pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
The training provided an interactive platform for students from the Cybersecurity and Computer Science departments to share perspectives, map out career goals and explore leadership pathways. Attendees received guidance on navigating workplace challenges and building resilient professional networks within Pakistanโs growing cyber sector.
National CERT reiterated its commitment to empowering women through education, awareness and equal opportunity under the SAFER programme, noting that local initiatives like the Women in Cybersecurity forum are essential to strengthening Pakistanโs cyber resilience while expanding the talent pipeline for the future.
