"Speaking of the skills and quality of our human resources in terms of digital aspects, it is still predominantly men, yes," deputy for gender equality at the ministry, Lenny N. Rosalin, said during the ‘Indonesia Women in Cyber Security (IWCS) Annual Summit 2022,’ which was accessed from here on Monday.
She cited data pegging women's participation in global cyber security at only 11 percent.
"The low participation, role, and involvement of women in cyber security, at the global level, (according to the) literature I read, was about 11 percent," Rosalin said.
This provides an opportunity for women to showcase their ability and prove that they can pursue a career in the information and communication technology sector, she added.
"For women, with Women in Cyber Security Indonesia coming into creation, I think this (has become an opportunity) for women to be able to prove themselves (to others), show (the others) that they can," she said.
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She further said she expected that cyber security would become a career choice for women.
The reason for the gender gap in the sector is the low number of women who use mobile phones, access the Internet, use financial services, and pursue science, technology, and mathematics in education compared to men, she added.
The preexisting gender stereotype that the information technology sector is the domain of men has also contributed to the low percentage of women wanting to explore a career in the sector.
"The gender stereotype, which sees the IT world as a masculine space that is only suitable for men, maybe one of the reasons why women are reluctant to delve into it," the deputy added.
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Translator: Anita P D, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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