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Workshop for woman in cybersecurity

The Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Information Security (GISO) organized a workshop in Podgorica for female experts from Western Balkan countries, employed in the field of cybersecurity in the private, public, and academic sectors. The event took place between September 30 and October 1, hosted by the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C).

The event was interactive, with the speakers actively engaging the participants. The topics were designed to focus on the challenges women face in professions related to cybersecurity and information technology. Among the speakers were representatives from the organizations Woman4Cyber and WIT Network, experts working in technical positions within private companies, and lecturers from the University of Maribor and the University of Montenegro.

The participants emphasized the importance of establishing and maintaining cybersecurity in the Western Balkans, noting that cybersecurity is globally regarded as a male-dominated field. Women are a minority in this area and, to some extent, are leaving it. A discussion emerged around the lack of confidence among women in cybersecurity and strategies to empower them. Openness among women, mentorship, and education were recognized as key pillars for building confidence. The importance of educating young girls and boys to understand equality and its societal value was also highlighted.

The workshop explored the advantages of diversity in the field of information security and the recruitment process, which often favors male colleagues due to conscious or unconscious bias against women. The participants discussed the benefits women bring to such roles, including soft skills, and reflected on how women adapt to male-dominated environments, often modifying traits such as lowering their voice pitch. The participants were also informed about the qualities employers seek when hiring in cybersecurity, which do not always align with the content emphasized in the educational system.

In group discussions, the participants identified the main challenges they face in the workplace, most commonly mentioning harassment, lower pay compared to male colleagues, underestimation, humiliation, excessive workloads, and not being heard. They worked to find solutions or improvements for these issues.

The workshops were conducted in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring individual and group work alongside creative approaches such as role-playing, real-time surveys, debates, and opinion-sharing. The emphasis was on exchanging experiences and building connections. Group meditation and mindfulness training were also part of the activities. At the end of the event, participants received certificates, and the speakers were presented with letters of appreciation.

The Slovenian Embassy in Podgorica hosted a reception where Slovenian Ambassador Bernarda Gradišnik addressed the participants. The Center for European Perspective (CEP) provided organizational support for the training, and the workshops took place at the WB3C facilities within the Montenegro Technology Park.