Malawi Plans National Platform to Promote Women's Involvement in Cyber Security Industry
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority announces plans to establish 'Women in Cyber Malawi' to empower women in the cyber security sector.
LILONGWE, MALAWI — The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has revealed its intention to create a national platform called 'Women in Cyber Malawi' to promote the participation of women and girls in the cyber security industry, writes Moses Nyirenda.
Announced on Saturday during the closing ceremony of the four-day Women and Girls in Cyber-Africa Conference in Lilongwe, Thokozani Chimbe, Chairperson of the Organising Committee, outlined the goals of the initiative.
"We plan that we want Women in Cyber Malawi to get affiliated with other Women in Cyber Networks out there," Chimbe said.
She expressed confidence that this affiliation would enable networking and open up opportunities for mentorship, scholarships, and training for Malawian women in the sector.
Inspirational guidance from international networks of women in cyberspace during the conference fueled the determination to develop the platform.
"They said if we do proceed on this path, we can get affiliated with other international organisations and benefit from engagements such as mentorship and scholarships," Chimbe explained.
Chimbe stressed the importance of cooperation among women and girls in Malawi in tackling cyber-related issues to achieve empowerment.
Priscilla Nyirenda, a participant in the conference, emphasised the urgency for women to address cyber security concerns.
"As women, we need to be serious about cyber security because many crimes are being committed against women and girls online," Nyirenda stated.
MACRA plans to establish the national platform to help bridge the gender gap in the cyber security industry and empower women in Malawi.
The Women and Girls in Cyber-Africa Conference, themed 'Bridging the Gender Gap and Breaking the Glass Ceiling,' attracted delegates from various countries, including Malawi, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana, and Sierra Leone.