Ladies Hacking Society (LHS) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and empowering women in cybersecurity, with a particular focus on technical, "offensive" and “defensive” roles. We strive to create a more inclusive industry by fostering a supportive community and providing key resources.
Despite growing awareness of the cybersecurity skills gap, women remain significantly underrepresented in the industry. The latest UK government Cyber Security Skills report (DSIT, 2024) highlights the persistent gender imbalance, revealing that women comprise only 17% of the cybersecurity workforce in the UK. Even more concerning, this figure drops to a mere 12% for senior roles.
These statistics have remained stubbornly stagnant for the past several years, demonstrating the need for continued and focused efforts to drive meaningful change. This lack of representation not only limits the potential talent pool but also hinders the industry's ability to effectively address diverse cyber threats that impact a global population.
A more diverse workforce brings a wider range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches, crucial for tackling the complex challenges of cybersecurity.
Ladies Hacking Society was founded to address this critical gender gap and empower women to excel in cybersecurity. Our mission is threefold:
We understand the unique challenges women face in the cybersecurity field.
Our meetups offer practical, hands-on technical training sessions that bridge the gap between education and real-world application, covering everything from foundational skills to advanced specialisations.
We provide personalised career advice, including CV reviews, interview preparation, salary negotiation guidance and understanding your value.
We actively work to attract more women into the cybersecurity field by raising awareness of career opportunities, showcasing inspiring role models, and engaging with educational institutions to encourage young women and career returners to explore cybersecurity as a viable and rewarding career path.
We aim to dispel common misconceptions about the industry and demonstrate the diverse and intellectually stimulating nature of cybersecurity work.
We foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive network where women can connect with peers, share experiences, learn from each other, and find encouragement.
Our community provides a space for women to feel empowered, supported, and motivated to succeed in our field.
This includes online forums, regular meetups (virtual and in-person), community channel and mentorship programmes.