Cybersecurity Still Struggles to Retain and Elevate Women…Why?

Women represent only 22% of the cybersecurity workforce and just 7% hold senior roles, with the biggest attrition happening mid-career. Industry leaders share perspectives on why retention and advancement remain difficult, citing workplace culture issues, gender bias, pay gaps, and lack of structured mentorship and sponsorship. Recommendations include metric-driven advocacy for equitable pay, diverse hiring panels, structured career pathways, and early outreach to younger generations to build the pipeline.