Women in Digital add cybersecurity award to 2024 line-up

The Women in Digital Awards have announced the introduction of a new category to recognise female leaders in the cybersecurity sector. The Cybersecurity Leader of the Year category aims to shine a spotlight on women working within the predominantly male field of cybersecurity. Nominations for the award are now open.

Holly Hunt, the founder and CEO of Women in Digital, underscored the need for more visible female role models in the cybersecurity industry. "Women are beginning to close the gender gap in Australia's cyber industry; however, statistics show they still only account for between 17% and 24% of its workforce," noted Ms Hunt. "To really change the status quo, we need more visible role models. By spotlighting female industry leaders through this new cybersecurity award, we shine a light on career pathways and possibilities."

The Women in Digital Awards, now in their seventh year, have been an established platform for recognising the accomplishments of women in tech and digital sectors. Over the years, the awards have amassed a notable track record, featuring 2,328 nominations, 238 finalists, and 95 winners, with more than 5,500 guests attending the previous gala events.

"Over the years, our awards have platformed some incredible women, not only celebrated names but also up and comers who have gone on to become leaders in their own right. In some cases that has led to OA medals, business exits, acquisitions, promotions, pay rises, exciting speaking opportunities and more," stated Ms. Hunt.

This year's awards ceremony will see a record 19 categories, including Founder of the Year, Executive of the Year, Data Leader of the Year, Digital Marketer of the Year, Indigenous Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Recently, the Women in Digital organisation also launched a new category for the Public Sector: Digital Transformation Team of the Year. This category aims to acknowledge the best digital transformations within Australian public sector organisations. Eligible organisations include state or federal departments, agencies or statutory authorities, local governments, or council-owned enterprises.

On the new public sector category, Ms Hunt remarked, "We know some of the most impactful digital transformations are happening within our local councils and government departments, with many leading to enhanced delivery of services to those they represent. We're really excited about this new award category, which will recognise some of the great digital work being done in the public sector, while shining a light on the career pathways and possibilities the digital sphere provides to women."

Nominations for the 2024 Women in Digital Awards are scheduled to close on July 14, with finalists to be announced on September 10. The winners will be named at a gala evening on October 25 at Brisbane's new Queen's Wharf precinct.