Cyber-violence is present everywhere, not only among girls, not only among young people, but also among adults. It is necessary for young people to become aware of it, to know how to protect themselves because cyber-crime is on the rise. With technology that is growing rapidly, with artificial intelligence, one needs to know what to place on the media, on social networks, and for young people to know how to protect their personal data, images, locations, etc., it was emphasized at the three-day cyber-security camp in Ohrid organized by the British Council.
Over 150 female students from 9 schools across the country participated in the camp. They shared experiences and cyber success stories on the topics of “We Belong in Cybersecurity,” “Learning Through Work,” and “Cyber for Good.” Young women and girls are showing increasing awareness of the importance of cybersecurity, have increased self-confidence, skills, and support networks, and feel confident and inspired to choose a career in this field.
"The aim is to share the experience and insights of cybersecurity clubs, models of success, as well as to serve as an exchange activity among girls who have a strong interest in this field," the British Council said.
The project is funded by the British Embassy, and is being implemented in partnership with the British Council and the Ministries of Education and Digital Transformation. (Photo: SDK. MK)
The program aims to increase women's participation in the cybersecurity workforce and to foster a cultural transformation in which gender diversity is recognized as an asset.
"We live in a time when technology is an integral part of everyday life, and data is one of the most valuable resources. Cybercrime poses a threat to all of us, and the answer to these challenges is precisely cybersecurity. It is multidimensional – it encompasses technical, legal, ethical and social aspects, and at the same time it is one of the fastest growing areas in the world, with a great shortage of qualified professionals," said Elena Ivanovska, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Science (MES).
According to her, through this project, many girls and young women can be encouraged and gain practical knowledge to be equally included in the cyber community.
"At this moment, when we are all under attack from cybercrime, we think that the right answer is for young people to learn what cyber security is, first and foremost to protect themselves, and in another way we send a message to young people, girls, women, that we really need to increase their participation, especially in this area, where perhaps some of these young people will find themselves in the future," says Ivanovska.
According to the State Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Gordana Klincharova, cybersecurity is the foundation of the economy, democracy, and everyday life.
"Digitalization brings negative things, i.e. attacks on personal data, attacks on individuals through social media, and that is why we are actively working to protect citizens and their data, as well as companies and their data. Our vision, as the Ministry of Digital Transformation, is clear – digitalization must be safe, inclusive and responsible. Macedonia can and should be a regional example of how modern digital services are combined with strong data protection and citizens' rights," said Klincharova.
Daniel Fyler, Chargé d'Affaires at the British Embassy, says he is pleased that young people are motivated to participate in such a project.
"First of all, this event is really great. Yes, there are so many girls and women here, focused on cybersecurity, which is traditionally a male-dominated field. They are working to empower themselves and others, to protect themselves, and to create the space that is necessary to build a functioning cybersecurity field," says Fyler.
The project is funded by the British Embassy, and is being implemented in partnership with the British Council and the Ministries of Education and Digital Transformation.
