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As boards take on growing fiduciary responsibility for cyber oversight, one critical question remains: who has the expertise to guide these high-stakes decisions? Increasing the representation of women leaders in cybersecurity governance isn’t just an equity issue — it’s a strategic advantage.

In today’s world, cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern, it’s a boardroom issue. From ransomware attacks that shut down hospital systems to data breaches that erode public trust, cyber threats have become one of the most urgent risks facing businesses, governments, and society. The challenge has evolved beyond firewalls and passwords; today’s attacks target supply chains, critical infrastructure, and proprietary data, triggering far-reaching business, legal, and reputational consequences.

As boards take on growing fiduciary responsibility for cyber oversight, one critical question remains: who has the expertise to guide these high-stakes decisions? Increasing the representation of women leaders in cybersecurity governance isn’t just an equity issue —it’s a strategic advantage.

Through the creation of the Women Cyber Governance Collaborative (WCGC), Women Business Collaborative is tackling the leadership gap head-on, to equip women board directors and executive leadership with the capability to effectively govern the real and growing risks to organizations from cyber threats.

The High Stakes of Cyber Leadership

According to the IBM “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025”, the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. hit US $10.22 million in 2025 — a 9 % increase year-over-year and a record high. Today, women hold only a fraction of cyber governance positions across corporate boards and C-suites. This underrepresentation leaves a critical leadership blind spot and a missed opportunity. Research shows that diverse leadership leads to better decision-making, broader risk assessment, and improved performance. In cybersecurity, where innovation and adaptability are essential, those benefits are amplified.

Enter WBC and the Women Cyber Governance Collaborative

Recognizing the urgency of bringing more women into cyber governance, in 2022 WBC launched the WCGC—a strategic initiative designed to:

  • Identify and elevate women with cybersecurity expertise for board and executive roles.
  • Build a robust pipeline of board-ready women leaders through mentorship, visibility, and training.
  • Drive awareness and accountability across companies, investors, and stakeholders for more inclusive cyber leadership.

WBC doesn’t just talk—it acts. The WBC and its partners have already connected dozens of women leaders with board opportunities, supported public boards in diversifying their cyber oversight, and helped shape the narrative around what cyber leadership should look like in 2025 and beyond.

Women Leaders Are Already Making an Impact 

 

WCGC’s cohort includes women CISOs, CTOs, risk officers, and former government leaders who bring technical insight and strategic foresight to the table. By championing their leadership, WBC is not only addressing gender inequity, it’s strengthening our collective cyber resilience.

Having women in these roles brings broader lived experiences, critical thinking, and risk frameworks to bear. That leads to better security outcomes and stronger governance overall.

How You Can Support the Mission

 

Whether you’re a company looking to strengthen your board, a woman leader in cyber seeking opportunities, or an ally who believes in inclusive leadership, there are ways to get involved:

  • Explore the WCGC network: Connect with a growing group of cyber-informed women leaders ready to lead at the highest levels.
  • Join WBC: join the largest and unique alliance of companies, individuals and organizations dedicated to inclusive workplace leadership
  • Champion inclusive board recruitment: Push for cyber governance expertise and gender diversity in board searches.
  • Amplify the message: Share the work of WBC across your networks to expand its impact. WBC also publishes a monthly report on women’s public board appointments.

As the business landscape is evolving, and so must leadership—WBC is showing the way forward—where women are not only part of the conversation on cybersecurity but leading it.

As we navigate an era defined by digital transformation and digital threats, the question isn’t whether we can afford to have more women in cyber leadership—it’s whether we can afford not to.

Author

  • Gwen Young 1X1 1 e1632007754474

    Gwen K. Young is the CEO of the Women Business Collaborative. She is also a Visiting Scholar at the Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University and former Director of the Global Women’s Leadership Initiative at the Wilson Center. She is an Advisor to Concordia. Ms. Young has worked across the globe to promote economic development, good governance and peace. She has developed strategy, programming and advocacy in the areas of humanitarian policy, international affairs and international development. This includes developing public private partnerships focused on public health, agriculture, gender equality, and access to finance. Further, Ms. Young has advocated for and published on international criminal law and designed SGBV guidelines. As an attorney, Ms. Young has worked as a professional advocate for women and human rights in corporate law settings, with the ICTY and the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. Her career has encompassed a comprehensive array of international organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Medecins Sans Frontieres, International Rescue Committee, and the Harvard Institute for International Development. An alumna of Smith College, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and the University of California Davis, School of Law, Ms. Young has pursued a career of international public service focused on humanitarian relief, international development, and human rights starting with gender equality and equity.

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