The Her CyberTracks initiative (2026 Edition) is a specialized five-month structured training program led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It is designed to promote the full and equal representation of women in the cybersecurity field by equipping them with technical, policy-focused, and leadership skills.
Opportunity Overview
The initiative is a collaborative project funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the European Union Commission, offering a curriculum that blends cybersecurity training with high-level mentorship.
Key Benefits:
- Targeted Tracks: Four specialized “CyberTracks” covering Policy & Diplomacy, Incident Response, Criminal Justice, and Cyber & AI.
- Mentorship: Tailored guidance from senior leaders and experienced professionals across public, private, and academic sectors.
- Skill Development: Combines technical training (like Linux/Windows systems or AI-enhanced incident management) with soft skills such as negotiation, leadership, and teamwork.
- Global Networking: Opportunities for cross-regional collaboration and information-sharing with other women in the field.
- Sponsorships: A limited number of regional sponsorships are available to support travel to onsite training activities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, interested women must meet specific professional experience requirements depending on their chosen track.
1. Track-Specific Requirements
- Policy & Diplomacy: 2–3 years of experience in policymaking, diplomacy, or tech-focused peace and security roles.
- Incident Response: 2–3 years in IT/network administration OR 1 year in a CERT/SOC team. Basic skills in Linux or Windows are required.
- Criminal Justice: 2–3 years of experience in the criminal justice sector (e.g., as a prosecutor, lawyer, or law enforcement officer).
- Cyber & AI: 2–3 years in policymaking/diplomacy or a technical role focusing on the intersection of AI governance and cybersecurity.
2. Geographic Focus
The program is open to women residing in specific countries within the following regions:
- Africa: Extensive list including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and many others.
- Americas: Selected countries like Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Jamaica, and Barbados.
- Arab States: Countries including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.
- Asia-Pacific: Including Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
- CIS & Europe: Including Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, and several Western Balkan nations.
3. General Requirements
- Language: Must have a good working knowledge of English as the program is held in English.
- Time Commitment: Ability to allocate approximately 10–15 hours per month for the duration of the five-month program.
- Age: There are no age restrictions for participants.