Italy Supports a Project in Ethiopia to Train Women as Cybersecurity Experts

Italy Supports a Project in Ethiopia to Train Women as Cybersecurity Experts

(ANSA) - ROMA, 23 SET - The Italian Embassy in Ethiopia took part in the launch event for the Her CyberTracks regional training project, co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the European Union. The training program involves 60 female cybersecurity experts from over 29 African countries. The goal is to share experiences, promote staff training, and strengthen digital skills across African nations—a priority of Italian cyber diplomacy through the Farnesina’s new General Directorate for Cyber Affairs. The Her CyberTracks program offers targeted cybersecurity skills development activities for women through a structured five-month training course. The program combines technical and policy training on cybersecurity, networking opportunities, and personalized mentoring with industry leaders. In 2025, women accounted for 22% of the global workforce in the cybersecurity sector; despite the progress made, they continue to be disproportionately subjected to online threats such as cyberstalking, harassment, and doxxing. Among the main barriers preventing women from entering this male-dominated sector are unequal access to training opportunities, a lack of female role models, and limited awareness of the attractive career prospects in cybersecurity. Her CyberTracks aims to change this situation by empowering women and bridging the gap toward a more inclusive and secure digital future for everyone. The project’s launch event was attended by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Italian Embassy, Luca Carpintieri. Read article...