Nairobi: Standard Chartered, in collaboration with @iLabAfrica Strathmore University, has launched the second cohort of the Women in Cyber Mentorship Program. This hybrid initiative aims to develop the next generation of female leaders in cybersecurity throughout East Africa.
According to Kenya News Agency, the program includes a blend of in-person and virtual sessions, pairing mentees with industry experts while providing hands-on training in both technical and soft skills. Participants will also receive Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits.
Globally, the cybersecurity field is experiencing a talent shortage, with women holding just 22 percent of roles and approximately 2.5 million positions unfilled. Africa has fewer than 300,000 cybersecurity professionals, leaving many organizations vulnerable to increasing digital threats.
Jaine Mwai, Chief Technology and Operations Officer at Standard Chartered, emphasized the importance of mentorship in addressing both the skills and diversity gaps. The program aims to equip women with the necessary expertise and confidence to lead secure digital transformations.
Targeting early-career women in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme offers a curated online learning platform, technical modules, soft skills courses, and fireside chats with global cybersecurity experts. Participants will be paired with experienced cyber professionals, including male allies, to provide guidance on career development and leadership growth.
The program also facilitates networking opportunities through regional forums, connecting mentees with regulators, private-sector employers, and academic institutions. Engineer Dr. Julius Butime, Dean of the School of Computing at Strathmore University, noted the significance of graduating 76 women in the inaugural cohort and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to capacity building in cybersecurity.
The launch event, held at Standard Chartered's Head Office in Nairobi, focused on the theme 'Collaboration and Partnerships - Women in Cybersecurity.' It brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and academia to highlight the shared responsibility of securing the digital future of the region.
Applications for the program can be submitted via https://womenincybersec.strathmore.edu/ and will close on June 30, 2025. The cohort will consist of up to 100 mentees, with the initial training beginning in August. The initiative aims to provide early-career women in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania with top-tier technical training, mentorship, and CPD-recognized learning.