You can read a lot about the lack of women in technical professions. At usd, we are very fortunate to have plenty of great female colleagues in our ranks. But we also value the exchange with each other. This year, we launched the internal “women@usd” network for this purpose. Once a month, the motto is: by and for women in cyber security.
"Being a woman is great, let me start by saying that. Nevertheless, women face challenges in their (professional) lives that men do not face or face less frequently. Balancing career and care work is just one example. In our industry, we are still outnumbered. It is important to me personally that usd contributes to a better balance. Openly discussing these issues is the first step. women@usd is therefore one of my passion projects."
Andrea Tubach, Member of Executive Board at usd
The network has been up and running for a few months now and has been very well received. Many female colleagues regularly take part, give talks themselves, post topics they would like to see covered or share practical tips from their (professional) lives. We have collected a few comments.
"Unfortunately, there are still far too few women in our industry. women@usd is a platform through which we address our very specific challenges and bundle tools that help us to meet them professionally. It also provides good opportunities for collaboration outside of usd. Specifically, I would like to set a good example with my many years of experience in a male-dominated field, share my best practices, motivate my younger female colleagues and help them maximize their potential."
Andrea Rupprich, Head of ISMS Consulting
"I am very happy that women@usd has now been launched. It offers a valuable platform for regular exchange with female colleagues, strengthens our professional relationships and opens up new perspectives on common challenges. Through this exchange, we not only gain knowledge and experience, but also create a trusting environment in which we can support each other and develop together."
Katarina Sholeva, Junior Consultant
"As a young professional in IT, I really appreciate the regular exchange with my female colleagues. In this supportive community, I can openly discuss challenges that particularly affect us women. Sharing experiences gives me strength and encourages me to grow both professionally and personally, and to confidently master new situations."
Julia Grohs, Security Consultant
"Not every woman is lucky enough to have women around her with whom she can talk openly about “things” that concern women in their professional lives. The great thing about women@usd is that no one has to worry about not being taken seriously professionally. It is a protected space in which even older women can learn from younger ones, even if it's just about being able to talk about things."
Alexandra Hahn, Security Consultant
Important shared insights can lead to internal improvements and projects. And we will certainly offer the occasional open event for women in the world of cyber security in the future.
Hopefully there will be more and more of us soon. #morewomenformoresecurity
