Lilongwe, Malawi – First Lady Monica Chakwera on Tuesday urged Malawian communities to empower women and girls to take up roles in cybersecurity. Speaking at the opening of the Second Edition of the Women and Girls in Cyber 2024 Conference, Chakwera highlighted the unique skills and perspectives women bring to the fight against cybercrime.
“Women are natural innovators and leaders,” she said, adding that their involvement is crucial in strengthening the country’s defense against digital threats. She called on men to support this endeavor, emphasizing the need for a united front against cyberattacks.
The three-day conference, hosted by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), aims to inspire the next generation of women cybersecurity professionals. Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, affirmed the government’s commitment to creating a safe digital space for girls.
Bridget Chibwana, Chairperson of the MACRA Board, emphasized the conference’s role in fostering an environment where women and girls can explore cybersecurity careers. She linked the initiative to Malawi’s 2063 vision of becoming an industrialized nation, stating that empowering women in this field is essential for inclusive development.
The conference will feature discussions on challenges faced by women in the cyber domain and explore strategies to address them.
