Women in Cyber: The Voices of Resillience

Introduction: More Than Just a Day

Women’s Day in South Africa is not simply a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the courage, leadership, and enduring spirit of the women who marched in 1956, and of those who continue to lead in boardrooms, classrooms, and digital landscapes today. It is about honouring the work still to be done in creating safer, more inclusive spaces, online and offline.

At Tech Wise Solutions, we believe cyber security isn’t just about protecting systems; it’s about protecting people. And yet, in a field historically dominated by men, the voices of women are still too often left out of the conversation.

That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on the women within our organisation whose roles and perspectives shape not only how we do business, but how we see the future of cyber resilience. Meet Bianca, Wafiqah, Kim, and Kgaugelo: four women, four paths, and four powerful reminders that diversity isn’t a checkbox. It’s a strength.

Context & Insight: Women in Cyber Security

The world of cyber security is shifting but not quickly enough.

ISC²’s March 2025 workforce study reveals that women make up just 22% of global cybersecurity teams, and only 5% of organizations are gender-balanced, while 16% report no female representation at all.

Women in the field show strong educational achievement - a 55% climb into managerial or higher roles, yet just 7% occupy C‑suite leadership roles (CTO, CISO, CIO, etc.). Beyond statistics, these numbers are signals of missed potential and untapped perspectives in an industry where diversity directly enhances resilience.

Notably, 39% of women entered cyber security from non‑IT backgrounds, compared to 28% of men, demonstrating that those shifting into the field via less traditional pathways are increasingly shaping how diverse talent enters the ecosystem.

At the same time, women are disproportionately affected by cyber threats. From online harassment to identity theft and privacy violations, the digital realm can be an especially hostile space for women both as users and as professionals.

And yet, women continue to step into this space with sharp minds, unique perspectives, and quiet force.

At Tech Wise, we’re proud to work alongside our excellent vendors, each offering vital tools that help protect data, identities, and infrastructure. But tools alone don’t make systems secure. People do. And when the people behind those systems reflect the diversity of the world they’re protecting, everyone wins.

According to McKinsey’s research on diversity and inclusion, organisations with higher gender diversity, particularly those in leadership roles, consistently outperform peers in profitability and innovation. This isn’t about optics; it’s about outcomes.

So today, we don’t just celebrate women in cyber security. We want to elevate them. We ask, and we listen, now and into the future.

In Her Words

Bianca Morais – Head of Sales & Sales Support

Bianca is strategic, passionate about people, and a natural leader.

What’s the most important trait for women navigating leadership roles in a technical field like cyber security?  “When I entered the cyber security industry with no prior experience, I was incredibly fortunate to have a female mentor, outside of our company, who truly took me under her wing. She generously shared her knowledge and experience, and that guidance played a huge role in shaping my journey and developing a foundation of passion for this ever-changing space.

I believe confidence is one of the most important traits for women in any leadership role, alongside integrity. It’s essential to own your seat at the table, even if your path to that seat looks different from others. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely support your growth can make all the difference.”

What drives you most in your role at Tech Wise—what makes you proud?  “There are a couple of ‘drivers’ that keep me motivated and make me super proud in my role. Helping our partners grow. Supporting the team in their personal development. Working through challenges together; and celebrating the rewards together.

I’m proud of the culture we’ve built and continue to shape. We have a lot of fun — working hard and laughing even harder. And it’s really rewarding to look back and realise that I started in this industry with no experience. Seeing how far we’ve come, and how much I’ve learnt, makes it all even more meaningful.”

What would you say to a young woman considering a career in tech or cyber security? “Everyone starts somewhere. Nobody has it all figured out, no matter how confident they might seem. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, being the ‘stupid’ one in the room helps more people than you realise. Also, Google is your best friend! Use it… because this space is filled with jargon and is always changing.

Be teachable. And maybe most importantly: own your value. Own your place at the table.”

Wafiqah Osman – Cyber Security Specialist

Wafiqah is technical, analytical, and insightful.

In your words, how do you define cyber security, and what do most people misunderstand about it? “Cyber security, to me, is about protecting people — not just machines. It’s the practice of defending your digital life, your data, your identity, and even your business from being compromised.

A lot of people still think cyber security is just an ‘IT thing’ or a job for the techies in the back room, but it’s actually something that affects everyone, from the way you use your phone to how you shop online. What’s often misunderstood is that cyber threats aren’t always about big hacks. Sometimes, it’s the small things: weak passwords, phishing links, oversharing on social media. Awareness is our first line of defense.”

What inspired you to enter this field—and what’s kept you passionate about it? “I’ve always had a natural curiosity about how things work, and how they break, especially in tech. But what really drew me into cyber security was the opportunity to make an impact. Coming from a community like mine, I didn’t see a lot of women who looked like me in this space. I wanted to change that narrative.

What keeps me passionate is knowing that I can use my skills to empower others, whether it’s helping a small business secure their data, mentoring young people who want to break into tech, or just having real conversations in the community about online safety. Plus, the threat landscape is always changing, so you’re always learning, adapting, growing. It never gets boring!”

What’s one piece of advice you'd give to women about protecting themselves or their data in today’s digital world? “Trust your instincts, online and offline. If something feels off, it probably is. Whether it’s a suspicious email, a too-good-to-be-true deal, or someone asking for your personal info…. pause, think, and double-check.

Also, never underestimate the power of a strong password (or better yet, a passphrase) and multi-factor authentication. It sounds basic, but it’s your digital armor. And if you're a mom, entrepreneur, student, whatever role you’re in, remember that protecting your digital space is just as important as protecting your physical one. Own your digital footprint.”

Kim Mokoena – Sales Support Executive

Kim is collaborative, focused, and detail-oriented.

From your perspective in sales support, how do you see the impact of cyber security in everyday business?  “The impact of cyber security on businesses is significant and growing every day. Whether you’re running a small startup or a large enterprise, cyber threats are a real and ongoing challenge. Businesses need reliable solutions to safeguard everything from servers to payment systems. It’s no longer optional, it’s essential.”

How do you bring your personal strengths into the cyber security space—even if you’re not technical? “My role in sales support is crucial when it comes to communication with our partners. I manage reminders for renewals, handle queries, and help ensure environments aren’t left vulnerable.

I may not work on the technical side, but I understand the products we offer, I pay close attention to detail, and I communicate clearly. Trust plays a big role. We don’t overload partners with technical jargon, we build relationships through consistent follow-ups and personalised service. That trust creates long-term collaboration and real peace of mind.”

What do you think businesses overlook when it comes to educating staff about cyber risks? “Sometimes, businesses forget that not everyone is fluent in technical language. In reality, cyber security requires ongoing learning and clear, relatable communication especially for non-technical staff.

As someone in support, I’ve realised that I too am a potential target for cyber attacks. So if training isn’t inclusive or easy to understand, it can leave big gaps in protection. Education should be practical, continuous, and tailored to everyone’s role, not just the IT department.”

Kgaugelo Tloubatla – Sales Support Executive

Kgaugelo is curious, enthusiastic, and client-focused.

When you think about cyber security, what role do communication and awareness play?  “They’re at the heart of everything. You can’t protect what you don’t understand, and that’s where communication comes in. It’s about creating a clear understanding of what it means to be cyber protected and providing the education people need to stay safe. Whether you’re speaking to clients or colleagues, knowledge is the first step in reducing risk.”

What’s something you’ve learned at Tech Wise that changed the way you think about digital safety?  “Since joining the Tech Wise family, I’ve realised that every day is a learning day. The world of cyber security is constantly evolving, but so is the way we respond to it. What changed for me was understanding that digital safety isn’t a once-off action. It’s a mindset.”

How do you stay confident in a technical industry where women are often underrepresented? “By reminding myself that what I do matters. Helping people get protected, educating them about cyber threats, and raising awareness — that’s where I find my purpose. Confidence comes from making a difference, no matter how small. It’s not about knowing all the technical answers, but about showing up, and being part of the solution.”

Conclusion: Progress is Protection

As we honour Women’s Day, we’re reminded that progress in cyber security isn’t just measured in software upgrades or threat response times. It’s also measured in representation, in inclusion, and in who gets to be in the room when solutions are shaped.

Cyber security is about more than code or compliance. It’s about people, protection, and progress. And when more women are part of the conversation, the solutions become stronger for everyone.

To the women shaping cyber security, at Tech Wise Solutions and beyond, we see you, we thank you, and we stand with you.