Advocacy

The Australian Women in Security Network is committed to advocating for the community that we represent.

At AWSN, advocacy is at the heart of our mission to create a more inclusive and equitable security industry. We work to amplify the voices of women and underrepresented groups, champion diversity, and influence positive change across cybersecurity and related fields.

Our advocacy initiatives focus on breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting policies that support equal opportunities. Through collaboration with industry leaders, government bodies, and educational institutions, AWSN strives to ensure that women have access to the resources, networks, and recognition they deserve.

From raising awareness about gender gaps to supporting programs that encourage participation in STEM and security careers, we aim to create a culture where diversity is celebrated and valued. By advocating for representation at all levels from technical roles, leadership positions, and decision-making forums, we help shape a future where innovation thrives through inclusion.

Growing and Professionalising the Cyber Industry Pilot Program

The Australian Women in Security Network is committed to advocating for the community that we represent.

Here are some of the work we are doing in Australia and globally, with coverage in government, industry and higher education.

Global 50x50 Initiative

Empowering women worldwide to represent 50% of the cybersecurity workforce by 2050

The Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is a presenting partner in the Global 50x50 Initiative, a collaborative movement led by The Center for Cyber Safety & Education to achieve equal gender representation in cybersecurity by 2050. Uniting industry leaders and changemakers from around the world, the initiative aims to unlock opportunities and transform the future of cyber talent.

Through this partnership, AWSN joins forces with The Center for Cyber Safety and Education, ISC2, and other global champions to tackle the persistent gender gap in cybersecurity. The Global 50x50 Initiative advances research, awareness, mentorship, and access to education, with the goal of building a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive cyber workforce.

Organisations and individuals everywhere are invited to be part of this movement and help shape the future of cybersecurity. Visit 50x50.org to make your pledge—partner with us, connect your community, donate to support our mission, or sponsor the initiative to drive meaningful, lasting change. Every pledge brings us closer to a cyber workforce built on inclusion and resilience. Join us today and be a catalyst for progress.

The Global 50x50 Initiative is an international movement created by The Center for Cyber Safety & Education in partnership with ISC2 and global organizations to achieve gender parity in the cybersecurity workforce by 2050. The initiative is built on the pillars of knowledge building, capacity building and sustaining momentum—supporting women in cyber at every stage, in every region to ensure a more resilient and sustainable cybersecurity profession.

Learn more: 50x50.org

If you would like to participate and contribute to the 50x50 Initiative Regional APAC Group, please contact us.

Home Affairs Executive Cyber Council (ECC) Workforce Working Group

The Executive Cyber Council fosters industry-government collaboration on national cyber security priorities, meeting twice yearly under Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy.

ECC Communique August 2024

Cyber Security Awareness Month

The Australian Cyber Workforce Playbook - Oct 2025 v.10

ISC2 Regional Working Groups

AWSN continues its global advocacy for diversity in cybersecurity through active participation in the ISC2 Global Diversity Council and the ISC2 5050 Global Working Group. These initiatives aim to drive inclusive change across the industry on a global level. Those interested in supporting regional efforts are encouraged to contact AWSN to get involved.

AWSN Participation/Contribution

Home Affairs Inclusive Cyber Security Recruitment Guidance
Home Affairs Horizon 2 Strategy Working Groups - AWSN attended a number of Home Affairs workshops on a number of Horizon 2 topics and contributed to the discussions.
- 28 Oct, 11-12:30pm: Roundtable - Horizon 2 - Cyber for Kids. 11-12:30, 28th Oct
- 29 Oct, 10-12:30pm: Cyber Strategy Horizon 2 co-design session: Community and Consumer Awareness
- 29 Oct, 2-3:30pm: Invitation to Horizon 2 Co-design Workshop: Consumer-grade and edge devices
- 30 Oct, 10:12:30pm: Cyber Strategy Horizon 2 co-design session: Community and Consumer Awareness
Home Affairs Workplace Diversity Policies - Home Affairs values diversity and inclusion, fostering a respectful, collaborative workplace that reflects Australia’s community and empowers all employees.
Future Technology Industry Advisory Committee - The RMIT Future Technology Industry Advisory Committee meets twice a year to guide innovation, align academic programs with industry needs, and foster collaboration between technology leaders and educators for future-ready solutions.
Victoria's Cyber Strategy

Submission Papers

Australian Cyber Security Strategy Discussion Paper 2023-2030 - Supporting Australian cyber security workforce and skills pipeline

Australian Cyber Security Strategy Horizon 2 Submission Paper - AWSN

Support our Mission

Your support makes a difference. Whether through donations, sponsorship, or volunteering, you can help AWSN continue driving systemic change and empowering women in security. Click here to support AWSN.

Together, we can transform the security industry into one where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.