The rise of women in the channel - how to turn momentum into lasting leadership

For more than 25 years, I have built a rewarding career in cybersecurity grounded in strong technical expertise and prosperous channel relationships. During that time I've watched the industry evolve, through both technological advancements and important social shifts. 

The number of women in cybersecurity is gradually increasing; however progress remains limited. In the UK, women constitute just 17% of the cyber sector workforce, lagging behind the global average of 22%. I have had the privilege of working alongside many exceptional women breaking boundaries in our field and International Women's Day offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we can open the door for more women in cyber and, equally important, ensure it stays open. 

My Experience: Driving Change and Building Influence 

My current role as technical advisor EMEA sits at the intersection of technical understanding and end‑user outcomes, translating complex solutions into practical benefits. This, in turn, enables partners to deliver exceptional value and to differentiate beyond product features alone. Alongside this, there is an increasing focus on thought leadership concerning critical regulatory change, notably the enforcement of DORA, to help organisations understand and navigate the complexities of this emerging standard. 

The regulatory content developed in this context resonates with partners, customers, and broader social media audiences, helping Gigamon clarify its position within the compliance landscape and demonstrate how organisations can be supported on their journey. This messaging has been adopted by our partners and sales team, amplifying it across our ecosystem to reach customers and prospects. Creating this kind 

of tangible impact and ensuring that a diverse range of voices are heard are some of the most important aspects of modern technical roles, and I feel passionately that more women should have access to these opportunities. 

Opening the Door: Encouraging girls and Young Women into Tech 

Successfully attracting more women into technical careers must start long before they enter the workforce. 

Early exposure to STEM subjects and the range of opportunities that exist within cyber, engineering and technical leadership is essential. Doing this means bridging the gap between women working in the industry today and the next generation. 

Young women need to see, hear from, and interact with the women thriving in technical positions to believe they can follow the same paths. Whether through speaking at schools, setting up industry events or simply maintaining a strong presence on platforms like LinkedIn, we all share a responsibility to normalise women in the sector and representation is one of the most powerful tools we have. 

Keeping the Door Open: Helping Women Rise into Senior Channel Roles 

Encouraging more women into the industry is just the first step, the next challenge is ensuring they rise. Today, 90% of women in tech want to lead, but merely a quarter believe that they can, an imbalance that must urgently be addressed.

From my experience, success in the channel begins with building strong professional relationships within your team, across the organisation and throughout the partner ecosystem. Passion and enthusiasm also play a pivotal role. When you show genuine dedication to the sector it becomes visible, opening doors you may never have realised were there. Understanding this from the start of your career will take you a long way, but progression is never guaranteed. It demands continuous resilience, hard work and a strong sense of personal drive. 

Equally, organisations must actively nurture women's ambitions and create an environment where senior roles feel attainable. All leaders, regardless of gender, should make their female colleagues feel valued, supported, and encouraged to aim high. 

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, so must our commitment to supporting women at every stage of their journey, from sparking early interest to fostering career growth and championing their rise into leadership. Doing so requires both individuals who lead by example and organisations that nurture inclusive environments. Leadership isn't handed out, but women must feel empowered to seize opportunities with both hands, knowing they belong at the table