Launch of the Italian chapter of Women4Cyber

ROME, July 15, 2021 - Women4Cyber Italia (W4C IT) is an upcoming initiative promoted by its founders: Domitilla Benigni (CEO of Elettronica and President of Cy4Gate, who will serve as President), Rita Forsi (former Director General of the Istituto Superiore per le Comunicazioni e le Tecnologie at the Ministry of Economic Development, who will be the Director of the Scientific Committee), and Selene Giupponi (CEO of Resecurity Europe, who will hold the role of Secretary General), along with Professor Paola Severino, Vice President of Luiss Guido Carli, who will be appointed Honorary President.

The initiative represents the Italian chapter of the European “Women4Cyber Foundation” of the same name, established in January 2019 within ECSO, the “European Cyber Security Organization.” It is led by Luigi Rebuffi and supported by Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, with the goal of helping bridge the gender gap among cybersecurity professionals across Europe. About 30 women from different countries, representing both the public and private sectors, have worked for the European Foundation. This includes a group of Italian women who are now leading the Italian chapter's project.

In line with the goals of European institutions, W4C IT aims to boost women's participation in the digital sector by challenging gender stereotypes, promoting digital skills, and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives in this field. In this regard , the Italian chapter is particularly relevant today, aligning with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and the country 's revitalization efforts, which must prioritize the digital sector and women. The initiative aims to encourage and promote training and the enhancement of women’s skills in the cyber sector, particularly in STEM fields like engineering and computer science, where female representation is currently lower. It also seeks to serve as a key network for the professional retraining of women specializing in the humanities (psychology, international relations, law, political science, etc.), who can find opportunities to develop complementary skills in the digital world of the 21st century. Indeed, the Data Society is creating job opportunities and skills that were previously unimaginable.

A new professional landscape where women can discover opportunities and career paths, bringing their strengths of relational intelligence and inclusive leadership to the table. Women4Cyber Italia will work within society, in education, business, and institutions to raise awareness and create tangible opportunities for increasing women’s participation in these new professions.

In addition to the Founders and the Honorary President, the launch event was attended by the Minister for the South and Social Cohesion, the Honorable Mara Carfagna; the Minister of University and Research, the Honorable Maria Cristina Messa; the Deputy Director General of DIS, Prof. Roberto Baldoni; the President of the National Innovation Fund of CDP, Dr. Francesca Bria; the Head of the Cyberspace Policy and Security Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Laura Carpini; the Director of the Postal and Communications Police Service, Dr. Nunzia Ciardi; and the Secretary General of ECSO and founder of the “Women4Cyber Foundation,” Eng. Luigi Rebuffi.