Gender Gap in Cybersecurity and STEM Fields

The podcast episode discusses the significant gender gap in cybersecurity and STEM fields. Despite the high concentration of intelligent and forward-thinking individuals in cybersecurity, women make up only 20 to 24% of the workforce, the lowest among STEM fields. Factors contributing to this gap include the lack of respect, the presence of an invisible glass ceiling, a 30% pay disparity, and the competitive nature of the field. Additionally, societal preconceptions and the lack of role models further discourage young girls from pursuing STEM careers. Although efforts are being made to address these issues, the gender equality paradox challenges the assumption that increasing gender equality necessarily leads to a greater representation of women in STEM. Closing the gender gap in cybersecurity is essential not only for ethical reasons but also to address the critical shortage of skilled workers in the field.