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Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the Germany-funded Her CyberTracks Initiative, a global cybersecurity leadership programme designed to support women professionals seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity, cyber policy, digital governance, and cybercrime response.
Now in its fourth edition, Her CyberTracks is inviting qualified women from Nigeria and other eligible countries to apply for its five-month structured training programme, which combines online learning, mentorship, international networking, and in-person regional training sessions.
The initiative is aimed at improving the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in cybersecurity by equipping them with practical technical knowledge, policy expertise, and leadership skills needed to thrive in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.
About the Her CyberTracks Programme
Launched in 2023, Her CyberTracks is funded by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the European Union Commission, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.
The programme is co-implemented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and supported by partners including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre.
Participants selected for the programme will undergo a five-month learning journey that blends:
- Online expert-led sessions
- In-person regional training workshops
- Tailored mentorship from senior cybersecurity professionals
- Cross-border collaboration opportunities
- Networking with global cybersecurity leaders
Available CyberTracks
Applicants must choose one of four specialised tracks based on their background and career goals.
1. Policy & Diplomacy CyberTrack
Designed for women working in cybersecurity policy, ICT, diplomacy, peace and security, or technical professionals seeking to transition into cyber diplomacy roles.
Participants will learn:
- Cybersecurity policy frameworks
- Cyber diplomacy processes
- Negotiation strategies
- Leadership techniques
- International policy collaboration skills
2. Incident Response CyberTrack
Suitable for women in IT or entry-level cybersecurity professionals, especially those in CERT or SOC roles.
Training includes:
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Incident response techniques
- Crisis response tools
- AI-enhanced incident management
- Communication and teamwork skills
3. Criminal Justice CyberTrack
Implemented by UNODC, this track is for women in law enforcement, prosecution, legal practice, and justice systems involved in cybercrime.
Participants will gain knowledge in:
- Cybercrime legal frameworks
- Investigation techniques
- Digital evidence handling
- Ethical and human rights considerations
- AI in cybercrime investigations
4. Cyber and AI CyberTrack
For women interested in cybersecurity governance and artificial intelligence policy.
Topics include:
- AI and cybersecurity intersection
- Cyber risks linked to AI systems
- Regulatory frameworks
- AI governance models
- International cyber cooperation
Eligibility for Nigerian Applicants
Women from Nigeria are fully eligible to apply, as Nigeria is listed among the target African countries.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be female professionals residing in Nigeria
- Meet the experience requirement for their chosen track
- Have good working knowledge of English
- Be able to commit 10–15 hours monthly for five months
Minimum experience required:
- Policy & Diplomacy: 2–3 years relevant experience
- Incident Response: 2–3 years in IT/network administration or 1 year in CERT/SOC roles
- Criminal Justice: 2–3 years in justice-related work
- Cyber & AI: 2–3 years in policy, diplomacy, or related technical roles
There is no age restriction.
Mentorship and Career Benefits
A major strength of Her CyberTracks is its global mentorship network. Participants will be paired with experienced cybersecurity professionals from government, academia, justice institutions, civil society, and private sector organisations.
This creates valuable opportunities for:
- Career advancement
- International exposure
- Leadership development
- Cross-regional partnerships
Travel Sponsorship Support
A limited number of sponsorships are available to support selected participants attending regional in-person training events.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is April 19, 2026.
Interested applicants can submit applications through the official programme page:
For enquiries, applicants may contact: womenincyber@itu.int
Women in Nigeria seeking international cybersecurity leadership opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadline.
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