Deadline: 19-Apr-2026
The Her CyberTracks Programme connects experienced cybersecurity professionals with women seeking to advance their careers across four tracks: Policy & Diplomacy, Incident Response, Criminal Justice, and Cyber & AI. It supports skill-building, mentorship, and global networking to strengthen women’s leadership in cybersecurity.
Overview of the Programme
Her CyberTracks is a global mentorship initiative aimed at increasing women’s participation and leadership in cybersecurity.
It brings together experienced professionals and women with relevant backgrounds to build technical, policy, and leadership capabilities through structured mentorship.
Core Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Empower women in cybersecurity careers
- Strengthen global and regional cybersecurity ecosystems
- Build leadership and technical capacity
- Foster mentorship and knowledge exchange
- Promote gender inclusion in cybersecurity
Key Focus Areas (Tracks)
Participants can apply under one of the following tracks:
Policy & Diplomacy
- Cyber policy development
- International cooperation and governance
- Digital diplomacy
Incident Response
- Cyber incident handling
- Security operations and response
- Network and system security
Criminal Justice
- Cybercrime investigation
- Legal and prosecution frameworks
- Law enforcement capacity
Cyber & AI
- AI applications in cybersecurity
- Advanced technical innovation
- Emerging cyber technologies
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be women residing in targeted regions (Africa, Americas, Arab States, Asia-Pacific, CIS, Europe)
- Have relevant professional experience depending on the selected track
Experience Requirements
- Policy & Diplomacy / Cyber & AI:
2–3 years in policymaking, diplomacy, or technical cybersecurity - Incident Response:
- 2–3 years in IT or network/system administration, OR
- At least 1 year in a CERT/SOC role
- Basic knowledge of Linux or Windows systems
- Criminal Justice:
2–3 years in law enforcement, legal practice, or prosecution
What the Programme Offers
Participants benefit from:
- One-on-one mentorship from senior professionals
- Exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges
- Skill development (technical + policy)
- Access to a global professional network
- Career advancement opportunities
What is Not Supported
The programme does NOT support:
- Applicants without required experience
- Individuals outside the target regions
- Completely beginner-level candidates
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Choose the most relevant CyberTrack
- Review eligibility and experience requirements
- Prepare professional background and motivation
- Submit application through the official platform
- Undergo selection and matching with mentors
- Participate in structured mentorship activities
Why It Matters
This programme is important because:
- Women remain underrepresented in cybersecurity
- It builds both technical and leadership capacity
- It strengthens regional cybersecurity resilience
- It creates a global network of women professionals
- It bridges gaps between education, practice, and leadership
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without meeting experience requirements
- Choosing the wrong track for your background
- Weak demonstration of career goals
- Lack of clarity on how mentorship will benefit you
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly align your experience with the chosen track
- Highlight career goals in cybersecurity
- Show commitment to leadership and impact
- Emphasize both technical and soft skills
- Demonstrate interest in contributing to your region
FAQ
What is Her CyberTracks?
A global mentorship programme supporting women’s advancement in cybersecurity.
Who can apply?
Women with relevant experience in cybersecurity, policy, IT, or criminal justice sectors.
Is this a funded programme?
It primarily offers mentorship, networking, and capacity-building (not direct funding).
Do I need prior experience?
Yes, 1–3 years depending on the selected track.
Is it region-specific?
Yes, applicants must be based in targeted regions worldwide.
What is the main benefit?
Access to expert mentors, skills development, and global career opportunities.
Conclusion
Her CyberTracks is a valuable initiative for women looking to grow in cybersecurity through mentorship and global collaboration. By focusing on leadership, technical skills, and inclusion, it helps shape the next generation of women leaders in cybersecurity worldwide.
For more information, visit GIZ.