The Women’s Alliance for Security and Peace (WASP) successfully concluded its in-person summit, Project HERSAFE, held from November 9-12, 2023. Under the acronym Her Empowerment, Rights, Security, Advocacy, Freedom, and Equality (HERSAFE), the program demonstrated a commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and contributing to a safer digital future.
Organized by YSEALI Fellows and generously funded by the United States Embassy to the Philippines, this summit marked a significant milestone in fostering cybersecurity knowledge and skills among women leaders. The fully-funded Cybersecurity Training Program commenced with an online onboarding session on October 18-19, 2023, providing participants with a comprehensive foundation in cybersecurity.
The summit was graced by Ms. Jennifer Goldstein, Deputy Cultural Attache Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and LTC Francel Margareth Padilla-Taborlupa the 7th Signal Battalion Commander, Army Signal Regiment, of the Philippine Army and the Cybersecurity Woman Leader of the year 2023.
It also hosted representatives from the Cyber Battalion Philippine Army (CyberBn Asr), the Philippine National Police, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, underlining the importance of collaborative efforts to address evolving cyber threats comprehensively.
The training sessions covered a wide range of topics, from cybercrime updates to risk management, emphasizing the need for collaboration in the cybersecurity sector.
A key feature of the training was its diversity, with 31 women leaders representing various sectors from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The active participation of Mindanao fellows, which includes Dr. Apple Grace L. Bonhoc of Ateneo de Davao University’s Arrupe Office of Social Formation, Omaimah Omar and Jalipha M. Ampog, LPT of Marawi State University, Asleya S. Limgas of Catigan NHS, Division of Davao, Nathalie Jo Nicole Dibdib of Andam Higala, Inc., Kareen Kay Cayog of the Philippine Army, and Norhaya A. Lumbatan, LPT of Teneb, Community Consumers Cooperative (TCCC), and Glaiza Mediatrix S. Hervias, MPA, from the Barangay Local Government Unit of Fatima, General Santos City, added a crucial and diverse dimension to the program. Their engagement shed light on the multifaceted challenges faced in Mindanao, particularly in areas like Lanao del Sur, where connectivity is a luxury, overshadowing awareness about cybersecurity.
The summit concluded with participants sharing their commitments and manifestos. The Mindanao fellows emphasized the need for comprehensive studies on the cybersecurity landscape in Mindanao, and educational campaigns in partnership with local government units and schools.
This commitment aligns with the program’s philosophy of effecting change where it matters most. The WASP: HERSAFE Summit 2023 not only equipped women with cybersecurity skills but also highlighted their essential role in creating lasting peace and security. The call to action is clear: go beyond personal safety, contribute to a cyber-safe Philippines, and ensure that every voice is considered in the pursuit of a fair and progressive society. This summit serves as a beacon of resilience and protection against the dynamic landscape of cyber threats, emphasizing that continuous education, training, re-skilling, and upskilling are integral components of the solution.
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