Women’s digital safety is becoming an increasingly important part of the global cybersecurity conversation as more people rely on smartphones, social media, digital payments and online services for everyday life.
The issue has gained renewed attention following the involvement of Queenter Mbori in the Global Cyber Safety Advisory Council, where discussions around cybersecurity increasingly extend beyond protecting computer systems to protecting people from technology-enabled threats.
Her participation brings attention to a growing concern within the digital sector: ensuring that women and girls are adequately represented in conversations shaping online safety, privacy and cybersecurity policy.
Women’s digital safety is now a cybersecurity priority
Across the world, digital technology has created new opportunities for education, employment, entrepreneurship and communication.
However, increased internet access has also exposed millions of users to online harassment, cyberstalking, impersonation, identity theft, privacy violations and other forms of digital abuse.
For many women, these threats can have consequences beyond online platforms.
A compromised social media account, leaked personal information or stolen digital identity can affect careers, businesses, relationships and personal security. Cybersecurity experts increasingly argue that protecting users from such risks should be treated as both a technical and social responsibility.
As digital participation continues to grow across Africa, the need for safer online environments has become an important policy and cybersecurity discussion.
Advisory leadership draws attention to online protection
The Global Cyber Safety Advisory Council focuses on broader conversations surrounding online safety, cybersecurity awareness and responsible digital participation.
Mbori’s involvement highlights the importance of including diverse experiences when developing cybersecurity strategies and digital-safety initiatives.
Rather than focusing exclusively on networks, software and infrastructure, modern cybersecurity increasingly recognizes that human experiences are equally important. Issues such as online abuse, privacy, digital identity protection and cybersecurity education now form part of wider discussions about creating safer digital communities.
This shift reflects the changing nature of cyber threats, where attacks increasingly target individuals instead of only organizations and government systems.
Digital threats facing women continue to evolve
Technology-enabled abuse takes many different forms.
Women and girls may encounter fake social media profiles created in their names, unauthorized sharing of personal images, phishing attacks targeting financial accounts, online stalking and coordinated harassment across digital platforms.
These risks demonstrate why cybersecurity awareness needs to reach ordinary internet users rather than remaining limited to technology professionals.
Digital safety education can help users recognize suspicious links, protect personal accounts, secure sensitive information and respond appropriately when online abuse occurs.
While individual awareness is important, experts also emphasize that responsibility should not rest entirely with users.
Technology companies, policymakers, cybersecurity professionals and civil society all play a role in building platforms and systems that prioritize privacy, security and effective reporting mechanisms.
Why representation matters in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity leadership has traditionally been dominated by highly technical discussions involving data protection, infrastructure and network security.
Those areas remain essential, but the human impact of cyber threats is receiving greater recognition.
Including women in cybersecurity leadership helps ensure that policies and strategies reflect the experiences of different groups using digital technology every day.
Representation can also encourage more young women to pursue careers in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital policy and information technology, contributing to a more inclusive technology industry across Africa.
As digital transformation accelerates, diverse leadership is increasingly viewed as an important part of developing effective and people-centered cybersecurity solutions.
Africa’s digital economy increases the urgency
Africa continues to experience rapid growth in mobile connectivity, digital financial services, e-commerce and online public services.
Millions of people now depend on smartphones and internet platforms for banking, communication, education and business.
For women entrepreneurs, students, professionals and content creators, maintaining secure digital identities is becoming increasingly important for economic participation.
An online attack can interrupt access to customers, financial services or professional networks, making cybersecurity an important foundation for digital inclusion and economic growth.
The expansion of the digital economy therefore creates a parallel responsibility to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and improve protections for vulnerable users.
Moving from awareness to practical action
One of the biggest cybersecurity challenges remains turning awareness into everyday habits.
Many internet users understand the importance of online security but continue to reuse passwords, ignore software updates, share excessive personal information or fall victim to phishing messages.
Practical digital-safety education can make a meaningful difference.
Cybersecurity specialists often encourage users to adopt simple protective measures including:
- Using strong and unique passwords for different accounts.
- Enabling multi-factor authentication whenever available.
- Avoiding suspicious links and unexpected attachments.
- Reviewing privacy settings on social media platforms.
- Keeping phones and applications updated with the latest security patches.
- Reporting online harassment and impersonation through appropriate channels.
These everyday practices can reduce exposure to many common digital threats while improving overall online security.
A broader conversation about safer digital spaces
The growing focus on women’s digital safety reflects a wider transformation within cybersecurity itself.
The future of cybersecurity will depend not only on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, secure infrastructure and stronger encryption, but also on whether people feel safe participating in the digital world.
Leadership discussions that prioritize online safety, privacy and inclusion help move cybersecurity beyond technical systems and toward protecting individuals and communities.
As Africa’s digital economy continues expanding, ensuring safer digital spaces for women and girls will remain an important part of building a more secure, inclusive and resilient digital future.
