New Zealand Women's network marks 5 years in security

The New Zealand Network for Women in Security (NZNWS) has reached its 5th anniversary, marking half a decade of efforts dedicated to supporting women and minorities within New Zealand's security industry.

Established in 2019, the non-profit organisation seeks to enhance the representation and retention of women and minorities in a field that has been historically dominated by men. Tash Bettridge, Co-Founder of the NZNWS, expressed the initial motivations behind forming the network: "We established the network in 2019 because, as women working in the security industry, we wanted to encourage and support more women and minorities to both enter and remain in the field. As someone transitioning careers, while also being a student and a single mother, I sought to create a space where women and allies could connect, learn from one another, and provide mutual support."

Her colleague and Co-Founder Sai Honig reiterated the challenges faced by women in the industry, stating that gender bias and a lack of inclusion have significantly restricted industry entry. "The network was created as a place for women, non-binary and minorities working in or interested in security to exchange ideas and cultivate relationships. This milestone is a testament to our collective commitment to empowering women and fostering a supportive network across New Zealand."

The network, wholly operated by volunteers, has been pivotal in organising various events and workshops. These include female-led technical workshops and thought leadership opportunities focused largely on female speakers, all aimed at highlighting diverse talent within the cyber and physical security sectors.

The NZNWS has expanded its reach significantly since its inception, amassing over 2,000 followers on LinkedIn and hosting more than 30 events across New Zealand in partnership with industry groups like ISACA, ASIS NZ, and Wisecra.

While only 18% of the cyber security workforce in New Zealand identifies as female, the network continues to address the significant skills gap present both locally and globally.

With more than two decades of experience in the cyber security and ICT fields, Honig believes that diversity is crucial for strengthening the industry. "Diversity in any field adds to the sum of knowledge, and yet security is typically perceived as a profession for men. It can be incredibly isolating as a woman or minority in this industry, so building a supportive network has been a central part of our work. There is still much work to be done to encourage more women and people of colour into the security industry and retain them."

Bettridge, on her journey from education to cybersecurity, felt driven to study the gender imbalance in the field at a tertiary level. Her subsequent research in a master's programme focused on strategies to increase female representation, underlining the impact of visible female role models in the industry. This insight has influenced the strategic direction of NZNWS.

Abby Zhang, a Security Analyst at Kordia and an Ambassador for the network, testified to the benefits she gained from the NZNWS. "Connecting with inspiring females has been a big motivator for me and helped me transition into a career in cyber. It has inspired me to give back to the community through volunteering with NZNWS, to encourage more women to thrive in this industry."