Women4Cyber: Visibility for women in IT security

Women are networking – and trade fairs provide the stage for this. With formats such as WOMEN4PACKAGING, WOMEN4PROCESSING, and Women4Cyber, several of our trade fairs in fall 2025 are creating spaces specifically for exchange, visibility, and empowerment. The networks bring together women from industry, technology, and IT – across hierarchies, disciplines, and generations. In a series of interviews, we present the formats and talk to the women who help shape them.

Written by Johanna Köhler

The participants of women4cyber have lined up for a group photo.

Women4Cyber is a Europe-wide network for promoting women in cybersecurity. The German chapter uses it-sa – Europe's leading trade fair for IT security – as a central platform for exchange and visibility. In addition, the network is involved in a wide range of activities and events throughout the year to strengthen the community in Germany. The German chapter of Women4Cyber is supported by a broad network of partners, including eurobits e.V. as the operational platform, the digital association Bitkom, the #SheTransformsIT initiative, and representatives from government agencies and companies in the IT security industry. Together, they are committed to connecting and promoting women in the cybersecurity industry and providing new impulses.

The concrete manifestation of this commitment was evident at it-sa: cybersecurity needs diverse perspectives – and more female voices. In panels, discussions, and personal encounters, Women4Cyber demonstrated how important it is to make women in IT security visible, strengthen their expertise, and open up new paths into the industry.

Susanne Dehmel, member of the management board of the digital association Bitkom and part of the leadership team of Women4Cyber Germany, explains in an interview why diversity in IT security is not just “nice to have” but a real success factor.

Ms. Dehmel, what is the goal of Women4Cyber at it-sa – and why is this format important right now?
Our goal is to raise the profile of women in cybersecurity and strengthen the community. Women have long played important roles in the industry – we want to show that. As the largest platform for IT security in Europe, it-sa offers the perfect stage for this: here we can make contacts, present role models, and encourage young talent.
Especially now, when the shortage of skilled workers is noticeable and the threat level is growing, it is crucial to attract more women to the industry. Diversity is no longer a “nice to have,” but a real success factor for the future of cybersecurity.

In your opinion, what role does diversity play in IT security?
Diversity is a key success factor – and goes far beyond gender diversity alone. Different backgrounds and perspectives lead to better solutions, especially in an industry with complex threat scenarios.
Diverse teams recognize risks more quickly, develop more practical strategies, and avoid blind spots. At the same time, a diverse environment increases the attractiveness of the industry for skilled workers and creates trust in technologies that affect society as a whole.

What challenges do you see for women in the IT security industry?
Women often lack visible role models who show that top positions are also achievable. Networks are often male-dominated, which makes access difficult. Added to this are stereotypical expectations that tend to push women into supporting roles and the challenge of balancing work and family life – especially in a dynamic industry.
All of this can prevent women from reaching their full potential. That's why targeted support and spaces for exchange are needed.

How can Women4Cyber specifically support women in the industry?
We create spaces for networking, offer mentoring programs, and make continuing education accessible. A key point is the visibility of female experts – it facilitates access to career opportunities and boosts self-confidence.
Our goal is to convey the feeling that you are not alone – you are part of a committed and growing community.

What are your hopes for the future development of Women4Cyber?
I hope that Women4Cyber Germany will continue to grow and become even more prominent – both nationally and regionally. It is particularly important to me that we consolidate programs and create structures that support women in the long term.
And we should make the successes of our members even more visible – to inspire others and make the impact of our work tangible.

Four women are chatting on a stage. In the background is ‘Women4cyber’. NürnbergMesse/Frank Boxler — women4cyber at it-sa

Author

Johanna Köhler

Online Editing // PR Trainee