Cyber Security And Gender Inequality

The advent of the so-called “Internet of Everything” has dramatically changed the concepts of information, knowledge, and, most importantly, security. Security has been defined in primarily militaristic terms by the prominent realist theorists of the past. However, the issue of cyber security must be considered to fully understand the contemporary era of security. Furthermore, there is a distinct gender gap in the field of cyber security, which is relevant in the context of standpoint feminism, constructivism, realism. First of all, the security of states is usually thought to be concerned with material resources, military strength, and self-protection. But, as mentioned earlier, the breakthrough of the Internet has revolutionized the idea …show more content…
This is of paramount concern, as the Internet is notoriously open, ubiquitous, and easy to access, making not only governance difficult, but also the enforcement of any laws and restrictions enacted. However, global and national peace is also threatened by another aspect of cyber security, its gender gap. The unequal gender ratio is already evident in the populations of China, South Korea, India, and other prominent nations. Despite the fact that men outnumber women biologically in these states, women do not receive equal pay, rights, or benefits. This logical disconnect is also found in cyber security, in which “only 10-15% of the workforce is female” (LeClair, et. al). To better understand the disparity in the gender ratio in cyber security, states must consider the application of international relations theories and critical approaches, particularly realism, standpoint feminism, and constructivism. Realism is not appropriate as it does not concern itself with the main issue in gender gaps: gender. Realism is on a larger scale - that of statewide security, security dilemmas, interstate struggles, and so forth. Several strands of …show more content…
Due to the globalization of radical Islam and anti-feminism, the former of which is distinctly misogynistic, the gender gap in cyber security may widen even further and cause international conflicts. On the other hand, pro-female movements might help minimize or even close the gender disparity apparent in the cyber domain. Celebrities like Emma Watson and Tom Hiddleston have brought the gender equality issue to the global limelight by campaigning for the “HeForShe” solidarity campaign, which was established by UN Women. Another solution would be to help establish equity for men and women interested in cyber security. States should create scholarships and incentives for women to enter the cyber security field. They should write and implement more comprehensive, specific, and strict laws prohibiting gender discrimination (and gender related wage disparities), which would further the advancement of women in all fields and protect them from future suppression. Additionally, the creation of programs, scholarships, internships, and public schools focusing on the STEM fields would help stimulate female interest in the cyber domain and cyber