Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of technology and is gaining significant importance as the world is becoming increasingly digitized. However, despite its importance, the field of cybersecurity lacks diversity, and women remain substantially underrepresented in the industry, especially in leadership positions. But, the time for change and advancement is now. In New Zealand, women in the cybersecurity industry play a vital role in advancing diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. The gender gap in technology is well-known, and it's no different in cybersecurity. The cybersecurity industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but there is a growing realization that having a diverse workforce is essential to creating more effective and secure technology, as diverse teams bring different perspectives and experiences to the table. Women can play an essential role in addressing this gap and defining the cybersecurity industry's future. The good news is that New Zealand has a strong and vibrant cybersecurity community with some of the world's best talent. However, women's representation in the cybersecurity sector is merely around 20%, with even fewer in leadership positions. This underrepresentation is due to several factors – social, cultural, and institutional –and it's time to change the narrative. The first step toward addressing this gap is to create an awareness and demonstrate that cybersecurity offers an excellent career path for women who may not even know this field exists. While traditionally more associated with techies and hackers, cybersecurity offers diverse job opportunities in areas such as product management, sales, marketing, legal, and compliance. Next, it's vital to create an inclusive work environment and provide women with a sense of belonging. The industry needs to develop a better understanding of how it can be more inclusive of women and remove the barriers that prevent women from entering and thriving in cybersecurity. Creating a safe and welcoming environment will lead to more women taking up careers in cybersecurity. Equally important is the need to create mentorship opportunities and networking spaces. In fields like cybersecurity, where women are underrepresented, mentoring, and networking are essential in supporting women's careers. These spaces provide a chance to learn from the experts, receive career guidance, and build relationships to support career development. Lastly, companies need to address the gender pay gap in cybersecurity by ensuring that all employees are paid equitably irrespective of gender. A fair salary is not just good for a company's reputation, but also creates a more positive work environment, leading to greater employee job satisfaction and retention. In conclusion, women play a critical role in advancing diversity and inclusion in New Zealand's cybersecurity sector. By addressing the barriers that prevent women from entering and thriving in cybersecurity, we can build a more diverse and secure tech sector. Through advocacy, education, and industry-wide action, we can create a world where women are well represented and have equal opportunity to succeed in cybersecurity. The question is—will we rise up to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities for a better, more inclusive future? The answer is, we must.