The OAS and WOMCY Partner to Promote the Participation of Women from the Americas in the Cybersecurity Sector

Press Release

The OAS and WOMCY Partner to Promote the Participation of Women from the Americas in the Cybersecurity Sector

July 19, 2024

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS), through the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE), and WOMCY LATAM Women in Cybersecurity have agreed, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to jointly promote the participation of women in the cybersecurity sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Currently, the presence of women in the cybersecurity industry in Latin America and the Caribbean represents only between 20% and 24% of the total, one of the lowest percentages in the Information and Communication Technologies area, according to a study conducted by ISC2.

The agreement between both institutions aims to contribute to closing the gender gap in the region's cybersecurity field. The MoU establishes a series of cooperation areas between the OAS and WOMCY to enhance the substantial participation of women in this sector, which include:

• Joint efforts to promote the incorporation of gender approaches in cybersecurity practices.
• Awareness activities to promote a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity culture.
• Development of training and mentoring programs for women interested in cybersecurity.
• Joint research on topics related to diversity and the participation of women in cybersecurity.

Reiterating the efforts of the OAS and CICTE, Executive Secretary Alison August Treppel highlighted that the signing of this agreement "reflects the shared commitment of the OAS and WOMCY to counteract the causes of gender inequality in the cybersecurity sector, as an essential requirement to ensure an open, safe, and resilient cyberspace in the Americas and the Caribbean."

Leticia Gamill, President, and Founder of WOMCY, emphasized the importance of this alliance, noting that "WOMCY and the OAS have joined forces to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field. This collaboration encourages the participation of women by organizing activities that incentivize their entry into cybersecurity and their technical and professional development. Together, we are taking steps towards a more equitable and empowered cybersecurity community."

Reference: E-045/24

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