This summer, I embarked on a transformative journey that intertwined the power of education, the challenges of cybersecurity, and the resilience of women in tech. My internship at WomHub, a boutique incubator and advisory firm focused on innovation along the STEM value chain, provided an eye-opening experience that connected me with brilliant minds and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to female-led innovation. WomHub's holistic approach to supporting female founders, coupled with its commitment to education and empowerment, set the stage for an experience that left an indelible mark on my understanding of both technology and the broader social landscape.
During my internship, I had the privilege of working closely with WomEng, the non-profit arm of WomHub, where I assisted in organizing programs under the GirlEng initiative as part of the #1milliongirlsinSTEM campaign. The program, which aims to encourage young girls to explore careers in engineering and technology, resonated deeply with my belief in the transformative power of education. Our June tech camp and Mandela Day activities were particularly impactful, as they offered the girls a glimpse into the world of cybersecurity—a field that is often overlooked in traditional educational setting
The theme of our tech camp was to develop innovative solutions to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over four days, I collaborated with the WomHub team, along with two ETHOS students, Josie and Arielle, who were also interning at WomHub. Together, we designed and delivered a program that not only introduced the girls to coding and engineering concepts but also emphasized the importance of cybersecurity. My role involved facilitating various activities, ensuring the participants' safety and well-being, and helping them learn about cybersecurity and give them internet safety tips. I educated them on how to protect themselves online and raised awareness about the risks they might face in the digital world. Additionally, while teaching the girls about cybersecurity and online safety tips, they also conducted a survey to gain a better understanding of their online habits and the measures they take to keep their information safe.
One of the most striking moments of the camp was when I asked the girls if they had ever received cybersecurity education in their classrooms. The overwhelming response was that this was their first in-depth exposure to the topic. Some of the girls mentioned that their teachers had only touched on the subject briefly, without delving into the practical aspects of online safety. This feedback was both enlightening and concerning, revealing a gap in the education system that leaves young girls unprepared to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.
In addition to the tech camp, I contributed to the development of the Vulnerability Index, a comprehensive tool designed to assess the online safety of women at various life stages. This tool, which I helped refine through data collection and analysis, offers a tailored assessment that highlights specific digital risks and provides actionable recommendations for improving online security. By conducting surveys and focus groups with high school girls, college women, and female entrepreneurs, we identified critical online dangers and developed a 25-question assessment to evaluate their level of vulnerability.
The process of developing the Vulnerability Index was both challenging and rewarding. It involved gathering data from diverse groups, analyzing the findings, and creating a tool that would be both informative and practical. The index not only helps women understand their current risk levels but also empowers them to take proactive steps to protect their identities and personal information online. Through this work, I gained a deeper understanding of the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by women at different stages of their lives, from teenage girls with limited awareness of online threats to entrepreneurs who must navigate the complexities of data management and compliance.
Our research methodology was rigorous, involving data collection from three distinct groups: high school students, college/industry professionals, and entrepreneurs. The high school group consisted of 45 girls aged 13-17, from whom we gathered both online and paper survey responses during the tech camp. The college and industry group included 20 women aged 21-31, who completed online surveys, while the entrepreneurship data was drawn from a previous Vulnerability Index that provided insights into the online risks faced by 133 female entrepreneurs across various sectors. The data showed clear differences in cybersecurity awareness among the groups. High school girls had notable gaps in their understanding of phishing, privacy settings, and online safety. College women were more aware of risks but often overlooked advanced security measures, trying to balance schoolwork and social media use. Entrepreneurs prioritized data management and compliance, focusing on practices like multi-factor authentication and termination procedures to avoid data leak.
This experience deepened my understanding of cybersecurity and led me to reflect on broader social issues, particularly the parallels between the experiences of Black people in South Africa and those in other parts of the world. The legacy of apartheid in South Africa, marked by systemic racism and social inequality, closely mirrors the challenges faced by Black communities in the United States and beyond. From the enduring impact of police violence to the ongoing economic marginalization, the struggles remain strikingly similar. -The racial divide that persists today is a direct result of historical injustices. Despite progress, the effects of these injustices continue to shape our world, raising the question of whether true equality can ever be achieved. By acknowledging this legacy and investing in education, we can take meaningful steps towards a more just and equitable society.
My time in South Africa underscored the important role of education as a tool for empowerment and social change. WomHub's programs equip young girls, and women with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in STEM, serving as a powerful response to the systemic inequalities that still exist. Education empowers individuals, providing them with the tools to challenge and dismantle oppressive structures.
As I reflect on my summer with WomHub, I am reminded of the profound impact that education and innovation can have on individuals and communities. The opportunity to work with young girls, teach them about cybersecurity, and contribute to the development of the Vulnerability Index was both a privilege and a responsibility. It highlights the importance of bridging the gap between education and real-world application, and the need for continued efforts to empower women in tech and beyond. My experience with WomHub was not just about learning new skills—it was about understanding the broader social context in which those skills are applied, and the role we can all play in shaping a more just future.
Sources
- #1milliongirlsinstem - https://www.womeng.org/work/1milliongirlsinstem
Makoro is a senior majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in cybersecurity management, and she’s also minoring in business administration. She stays busy as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, while also being involved in several campus clubs. On top of that, she works as a desk assistant. After graduation, Makoro plans to pursue a master’s degree in applied cybersecurity.