Women in cybersecurity launch workshop to tackle digital inequality in Ghana - MyJoyOnline

As part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, Women in Cybersecurity West Africa (WiCyWA) has opened a three-day workshop in Accra, aimed at bolstering Ghana’s cyber resilience. Themed “Building a Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space,” the event will bring together cybersecurity professionals, gender advocates, and policymakers to confront the growing threats in the digital landscape, especially those disproportionately affecting women and girls. A central focus of the workshop is the rising digital inequality. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist at TAG International, Francesca Quirke, emphasised that limited digital literacy, unequal access to technology, and entrenched social norms continue to marginalise women online. “There’s a lot of inequality that exists in the physical world that is translating into the online space,” Ms. Quirke noted. “We need to address this inequality to create a safe and secure world where diverse voices are represented and online harms are actively countered.” She warned that online violence, often dismissed as trivial, has serious consequences, from mental health impacts to real-world safety risks. “Threats that start online can transition into the physical space,” she added, calling for inclusive policy-making that ensures affected voices are part of the solution. President of the WiCySA West Africa Affiliate announced Olayinka Naa Dzama Wilson-Kofi, an upcoming initiative dubbed “Rural Workshops.” The programme will begin in the Ashanti and Northern Regions, using local languages to engage communities directly. “We’re going to the markets, to the streets; we want to speak their language, not English,” Ms. Wilson-Kofi explained. “We want them to understand the risks and how to protect themselves.” The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by making cybersecurity knowledge accessible to underserved populations, with plans to expand nationwide based on its success. The Cyber Secure 360 Workshop continues throughout the week, fostering dialogue and action around building a safer, more inclusive digital environment. Organisers hope the event will spark long-term collaborations and policy shifts that prioritise gender equity and digital accountability. 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