ISACA launches new initiatives to strengthen women empowerment in technology

MUMBAI: It’s long been recognized that women are underrepresented in technology—but global technology and cybersecurity association ISACA is seeking to change that. With its new program, Connecting Women Leaders in Technology, ISACA will offer a robust platform to attract more women into the technology professions, provide support tools to help advance and sustain women’s careers, and deliver educational opportunities to develop skills and increase knowledge to further enhance women’s leadership within the global technology workforce.

ISACA’s program was established by its Women in Leadership Council, chaired by Jo Stewart-Rattray, director of information security and IT assurance for BRM Holdich, and comprised of female tech executives from around the world: Jo Stewart-Rattray, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, Director of Information Security and IT Assurance at BRM Holdich, Australia; Gail Coury, CISA, CISM, Vice President, Risk Management & Information Security Officer at Oracle Managed Cloud Services, USA; Tracey Lawrance, Head of GRC and Resilience at Airservices Australia; Jane Whitgift, CISM, Virtual CISO, Whitgift Security, UK; Shan Senanayake, CISA, CRISC, Network Engineer at The CCS Group, Bermuda.

“The empowerment of women within the global technology workforce is critical to sustaining, growing and advancing our profession,” said Stewart-Rattray. “Connecting Women Leaders in Technology will engage female professionals in the key areas of education, awareness and advocacy.”

As part of the program, ISACA’s upcoming cybersecurity conferences— CSX North America and CSX Europe —will feature unique programming and networking opportunities for women (and men seeking to learn more). At CSX North America, an interactive networking event will allow all professionals to expand their professional relationships. In addition to a networking event at CSX Europe, Diversity Strategist Hayley Barnard’s talk will encourage women to seek opportunities and challenges outside their comfort zones to achieve their professional and personal goals.

Additionally, ISACA is seeking women in technology to get more involved with the association as speakers, writers and volunteers. Those interested in those opportunities or in showcasing their personal success stories can visit sheleadsIT.org.

In 2017, ISACA will feature several educational opportunities, including a Women in Technology webinar series. A separate half-day program will take place at ISACA’s North America CACS Conference in Las Vegas, in addition to several other special programming options at other ISACA conferences. ISACA will also foster relationships with other organizations offering programs and resources for women. “The underrepresentation of women in tech impacts the entire profession,” said Christos Dimitriadis. “ISACA’s program will engage both men and women to help address this disparity and find solutions.”