The THE GENDER EQUALITY IN CYBERSECURITY

Abstract

The article examines gender aspects in the domestic cybersecurity sector. The insufficient level of representation of women in this field is caused by a small number of girls and women who chose this field of activity for training and professional realization due to insufficient awareness of it, various stereotypes and prejudices. However, the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, its hybrid nature, the spread of gender misinformation, the demographic crisis, and the shortage of labor in the labor market that are taking place in the country require the expansion of women's participation in combating cybercrime and strengthening the cyber resilience of the state. The study conducted by the authors is based on an analysis of current international and national legislation on gender equality in the country and, in particular, in the defense and security sector, as well as modern publications by foreign and Ukrainian scientists and researchers. Quantitative analysis of gender aspects in the field of cybersecurity, in particular, in matters of employment and education, was carried out based on data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine.

The results of the study showed that it was the martial law in the country and the mobilization of men that forced women to replace them in a number of professions. The representation of women in the security and defense sector has increased significantly, which has a positive effect on the overall level of security in society. The number of women choosing professions in the field of cybersecurity is gradually increasing, which gives hope for their further employment there. In order to promote gender equality in cybersecurity, expand the professional realization of women in this field, the authors recommend that employers use the existing high educational potential of women and girls more diversely and inclusively, their ability to quickly learn and adapt to changes, the availability of digital skills and the level of access to the Internet. To overcome obstacles in future professional realization, form more skills that are practical in female students, hone the ability to think outside the box, and teach them to work with people.