Cyber Queens

CyberWest Hub, hosted by Edith Cowan University (ECU), has launched Cyber Queens, an innovative initiative designed to support women and non-binary students studying cybersecurity by connecting them with the broader cyber community.

With women making up only 15% of cyber students across tertiary institutions, many find themselves as the sole female presence in classrooms, leading to feelings of isolation and uncertainty about their place in the industry.

Cyber Queens aims to change that by fostering a sense of belonging beyond the classroom through meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.

Emma O'Neil, Director of CyberWest and the driving force behind the program, said:

"Cyber Queens is more than just networking—it's about creating a sense of belonging. We need a diversity of people bringing a diversity of thinking to cyber. When women and non-binary students see themselves reflected in the cybersecurity community, they're more likely to stay, thrive, and lead. This initiative is a step toward a more inclusive and resilient cyber sector, where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated."

Held at the start of each semester, the event brings together cybersecurity students from various universities with professionals across the sector.

The Semester 2, 2025 meetup featured keynote speaker Caitriona Forde, ECU alumna and Women in Technology WA award winner, who shared her career journey and advice for thriving in the industry.

Students were introduced to key industry bodies and networking opportunities, followed by small group discussions with cyber leaders who attended as mentors. One mentor, Danielle, reflected:

"It was a great opportunity to talk to students from all different backgrounds, hear about their experiences, and discuss what support exists for women in the industry—and what's still missing."

For students, the event was both empowering and inspiring.

Emma O'Neil (CyberWest) with Cyber Queens attendees

Disha Sharma, a current ECU student, spoke of the valuable experience and inspiration she gained. "Meeting people, especially women in cyber, gives me the encouragement to be more like them in my future career," Disha said.

Vanilla Tran, from UWA said, "We are the only girl in the class, the only girl in the project, so to build a community like this where we can have other girls to talk to is an amazing thing, I love it."

"All my life I've been in spaces where I'm the only girl in class but coming to an event like this, seeing all these women, and talking to people breaking barriers in cyber, I've been inspired," said Fransisca Akareut, a final year student at ECU.

Tahia Bhuiyn also from ECU, said that "being a Cyber Queen, not only are we building our network, but we are building our future through meeting industry mentors who have shown us an idea of the path we should take."

Scholarship Initiative

An exciting outcome from the recent event is the initiation on a a female and non-binary cohort to undertake the Certificate IV in Cyber Security at North Metropolitan TAFE in 2026.

CyberWest Hub will sponsor 10 scholarship places in the cohort, covering course fees and resource allowance.

Maree Tabb of North Metropolitan TAFE said she was delighted with the support, while Ms O'Neil added "ECU provides generous recognition of prior learning for this course, which provide an excellent pipeline for people wishing to further their studies at university."

Find out more at CyberWest Hub.