Women and Girls in cyber 2025

In an inspiring step towards digital empowerment for women, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) organized the Women and Girls in Cyber 2025 Conference which took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe for three days straight.

The conference was officially opened by the First Lady of Malawi, Madam Monica Chakwera and it was held under the theme: She Secures: Building a Stronger and Resilient Cyber Ecosystem in Malawi.

This national gathering, however, was more than just a conversation about cybersecurity as it was a movement that puts Malawian women and girls at the forefront of digital transformation. From open panel discussions to skill-building workshops, participants did not only learn practical cybersecurity tools, but also critically examined the unique challenges that women face in online spaces, including cyberbullying, sextortion, non-consensual image sharing and online scams. These topics, often unspoken, were unpacked with urgency, empathy, understanding the victims and solutions focused on awareness, advocacy and inclusive policy reforms.

Ten outstanding girls were also recognised as winners in the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition held during this Women and Girls in Cyber conference. The competition, which attracted 72 participants, was one of the key highlights of the three-day event hosted by MACRA.

The certificates were handed out by Thokozani Chimbe, MACRA’s Director of Legal Services and Chairperson of the conference, alongside Ella Hamwaka, the Vice Chairperson. The two recognised the girls for their zeal and dedication to cybersecurity and encouraged them to continue breaking barriers in the tech space

Additionally, for women like Thokozani, this platform is a powerful space to connect with fellow changemakers, share experiences and discover new ways to protect and empower young women in the digital world. Her participation does reflect a broader commitment to ensure that women are not just users of technology; but leaders, innovators and protectors within it.

As Malawi builds a stronger cyber ecosystem, this conference is a crucial reminder that our digital future must be safe, inclusive and led by women too.