EC-Council Expands CyberSHE Initiative to Empower Women in Cybersecurity Across the Middle East

Technology

EC-Council Expands CyberSHE Initiative to Empower Women in Cybersecurity Across the Middle East

As the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise across the Middle East, EC-Council—the global authority in cybersecurity training and certification—has reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion through the expansion of CyberSHE, an initiative designed to increase women’s participation in the cybersecurity workforce.

Launched in partnership with Women in CyberSecurity Middle East (WiCSME) at the Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), CyberSHE is now set to expand to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar, marking a major regional rollout. The initiative brings together government, academic, and industry stakeholders to deliver technical training, mentorship, and career development opportunities specifically for women aspiring to enter or advance in the cybersecurity field.

Empowering the Next Generation of Cyber Talent

“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, and the Middle East holds extraordinary untapped potential,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President of EC-Council.

“Through CyberSHE, we are opening the door to global-standard training, mentorship, and new career pathways for women across the region. This initiative represents the kind of purposeful collaboration that creates lasting opportunity.”

CyberSHE is a four-week training program that incorporates EC-Council’s globally respected certifications, including the Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT), Certified Network Defender (CND), and Certified SOC Analyst (CSA). The program includes three weeks of intensive, hands-on technical training followed by a career readiness module that offers mentorship, soft skills development, and exposure to industry insights.

Building Resilience and Representation

Chairperson of WiCSME, Dr. Reem Faraj AlShammari, emphasized the societal impact of the program:

“CyberSHE is more than just a program—it represents the power of collective efforts in action. We are uniting key pillars of our society to create a generation of empowered, job-ready women professionals in cybersecurity. This initiative directly supports national cyber readiness and contributes to improving the region’s standings in the Global Cybersecurity Index.”

Over the next three years, CyberSHE aims to train 1,500 women across the region. The initiative plays a strategic role in strengthening national cybersecurity capacities while fostering greater workforce diversity and inclusion.

A Broader Vision for Cybersecurity Education

CyberSHE aligns with EC-Council’s global mission to make cybersecurity education more accessible, inclusive, and transformative. Through its support for initiatives like CyberSHE, EC-Council continues to lead the way in shaping equitable pathways for emerging cyber talent, ensuring women have the tools, training, and opportunities to excel in an increasingly digital world.