‘We need to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about women in technology’

Denrele Titi Adesina is a cyber security expert and a co-founder of Wellspring Consulting Nigeria. She holds a degree in Geology from the University of Ilorin and Master’s degrees in Geographical Information System (GIS) and Educational Administration and Planning both from the University of Lagos. She speaks with RAUF OYEWOLE on how more women can explore the advantages in the world of cybersecurity.

What would you say influenced you to follow your career?
In my career, I have been driven by a passion for innovation and adaptability. With over 10 years of experience in the event industry and finance/investment banking, I had established myself as an entrepreneur. However, the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for change, revealing the significance of virtual interaction and the need to leverage technology in my business. Recognising the gaps in the market, I saw an opportunity to bridge them by exploring cybersecurity, Edtech, and Fintech. This realisation sparked my interest in cybersecurity, and I embarked on a journey to acquire expertise in this field.

What have you learnt operating in a male-dominated profession?
I have learned resilience, to always navigate challenges and biases with confidence and determination. I learnt to embrace my expertise and perspective, and to as well empower other women to do the same. Another thing is to adapt my communication style and training approaches to engage diverse audiences while creating a welcoming environment for under-represented groups and fostering a sense of belonging. My experience has taught me the importance of mentorship and paying it forward to support other women in cybersecurity, while building relationships and alliances with like-minded professionals to amplify our impact. I have also learnt to assert myself and my value, even in the face of bias or skepticism while addressing cultural and gender biases in cybersecurity training and practices. Innovation to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the field, enhancing cybersecurity training and practices and contributing to a supportive community that encourages diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity are also part of the lessons. I have continued to grow as a cybersecurity trainer and advocate for a more inclusive and diverse field.

Nigeria is said to have insufficient cybersecurity experts, how do you encourage women to venture into this profession?
My experience in Wellspring Consulting Nigeria has made me passionate about encouraging more women to join this exciting and rewarding field. To address the shortage of cybersecurity experts in Nigeria, I believe we need to proactively encourage and support women to pursue careers in cybersecurity. We sincerely need to create awareness and mentorship. We need to raise awareness about the opportunities and impact of cybersecurity among young girls and women, while we need mentorship programmes to connect them with experienced female cybersecurity professionals, providing guidance and inspiration. We must ensure equal access to quality education and training in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This includes workshops, boot camps, and scholarships focused on cybersecurity. Highlighting successful female cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria can inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

We need to showcase their stories, achievements, and contributions to the field while organisations must create welcoming and inclusive work environments, addressing gender bias and providing equal opportunities for growth and development. We need to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and misconceptions about women in technology. Encouraging girls to explore STEM fields from an early age can help change this narrative. Offering targeted scholarships and funding for women pursuing cybersecurity education and certifications can help bridge the gap. Creating platforms for women in cybersecurity to connect, share experiences, and collaborate can foster a sense of community and support. We must acknowledge the importance of work-life balance and provide flexible work arrangements, enabling women to pursue careers in cybersecurity without sacrificing family responsibilities. By implementing these strategies, we can empower more women to join the cybersecurity profession, helping to address the shortage of experts in Nigeria and creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.

How can Nigeria grow economically by training cybersecurity experts for export?
Truly, I believe training cybersecurity experts for export can be a significant economic growth driver for Nigeria. Cybersecurity is a global concern, and the demand for skilled professionals is skyrocketing. Nigeria can tap into this demand by training experts who can work with international organisations, governments, and companies. By exporting cybersecurity expertise, Nigeria can generate significant revenue in foreign exchange, which can boost the country’s economy. Training cybersecurity experts for export can create job opportunities for Nigerian youth, reducing unemployment and brain drain. This initiative can lead to the development of specialised skills, enhancing Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for cybersecurity expertise. With time exporting cybersecurity services will diversify Nigeria’s economy, reducing dependence on oil revenue and making it more resilient to global economic shocks. A thriving cybersecurity industry can drive innovation, leading to the development of new technologies and solutions that can benefit Nigeria and the global community. By developing a strong cybersecurity workforce, Nigeria can also enhance its national security, protecting critical infrastructure and institutions from cyber threats. The government must encourage public-private partnerships, develop a supportive ecosystem for cybersecurity entrepreneurship and innovation. By taking these steps, Nigeria can become a hub for cybersecurity expertise, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national security.

As a successful career woman, particularly in cybersecurity, how do you combine family/parenting duties?
(Laughs) It’s a bit challenging. But I have always known that combining family and parenting duties requires intentionality, flexibility, and support. Thus, to make it work, I prioritise my family time and schedule it in my calendar like any other important appointment. I established clear boundaries between work and family life to maintain focus and presence in both areas. I’m fortunate to have a supportive partner and family members who understand my demanding career and pitch-in when needed. I make time for self-care and stress management to maintain my physical and mental well-being. Open communication with my family and employer also helps manage expectations and ensures everyone is on the same page. I also strive to be a positive role model for my children, demonstrating the importance of hard work, resilience, and balance. With these strategies, I’m able to navigate the challenges of being a career woman in cybersecurity while being a present and engaged parent.

What are some of your challenges in this profession as a woman?
As a woman in the cybersecurity training profession, I face several challenges, including gender bias and stereotypes, overcoming assumptions that cybersecurity is a male-dominated field and that women are not as technical or competent, being under-represented in the field, which can make it difficult to find role models, mentors, and peer support, being expected to specialise in “soft” skills like training and awareness, rather than technical areas like penetration testing or incident response, encountering masculine-oriented language and culture in the workplace, which can create a sense of exclusion, managing family and caregiving responsibilities while maintaining a demanding career in cybersecurity. Sometimes feeling like an imposter or fraud, despite qualifications and expertise, due to gendered expectations and stereotypes, feeling the need to constantly prove myself and my abilities, despite my experience and qualifications. Despite these challenges I remain passionate about cybersecurity and I am more committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse field for everyone.