1. Program Overview
The SheRoots Bootcamp is a flagship girls and women-focused capacity-building initiative by the CYSEC NG Community, designed to equip young women with practical, industry-relevant skills in STEM, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging technologies. The bootcamp was created to address the gender gap in cybersecurity and technology roles by providing hands-on training, mentorship, and career readiness support for women at beginner and early-career stages.
The program combined technical training, soft skills development, career mentorship, and community building, ensuring participants were not only trained but positioned for real-world opportunities.
2. Objectives of the Bootcamp
The SheRoots Bootcamp was designed with the following objectives:
- To introduce women to foundational and intermediate STEM concepts
- To build practical skills aligned with current industry demands
- To provide career guidance, mentorship, and exposure to real-world cybersecurity roles
- To increase women’s employability in cybersecurity and technology-related fields
- To foster a supportive community of women in cybersecurity
3. Program Structure and Delivery
The bootcamp was delivered through a blended model that included:
- Live virtual training sessions
- Physical training sessions
- Hands-on labs and guided exercises
- Career workshops (CV writing, LinkedIn optimization, interview readiness)
- Mentorship sessions with cybersecurity professionals
- Community discussions and peer learning
Key Learning Areas Covered:
- Introduction to STEM, Cybersecurity & Digital Safety
- Cyber Threats, Risks, and Basic Risk Management
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Fundamentals
- Incident Awareness and Security Best Practices
- Career Pathways in Cybersecurity
4. Participation and Demographics
- Total Participants: Cohort 1 witnessed over 4,500 African Girls and Women across 17 African Countries including UK, USA and Dubai.
- Target Group: Students, recent graduates, career switchers, and early-career professionals
- Completion Rate: High engagement with consistent attendance and active participation
Participants came from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including ICT, social sciences, business, and non-technical fields, highlighting the inclusivity of the program.
5. Program Impact
The SheRoots Bootcamp delivered measurable and meaningful impact across multiple dimensions:
Skills Development
Participants demonstrated:
- Improved understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals
- Increased confidence in navigating cybersecurity concepts and tools
- Ability to articulate cybersecurity risks and basic mitigation strategies
Career Advancement
- Several participants transitioned from learning to paid employment, internships, and contract roles
- Participants reported improved confidence in applying for cybersecurity and tech-related roles
- Stronger professional visibility through optimized LinkedIn profiles and CVs
Community & Representation
- Strengthened representation of women within the CYSEC NG ecosystem
- Formation of peer-support networks that continue beyond the bootcamp
- Increased interest in advanced cybersecurity certifications and career pathways
6. Employment Success Stories (Highlighted Participants)
One of the most significant outcomes of the SheRoots Bootcamp was the direct employment of participants shortly after program completion. Below are three notable success stories:
Participant 1: Aisha M. – Junior GRC Analyst Aisha joined the bootcamp with no prior cybersecurity background. Through the GRC-focused sessions and mentorship support, she developed a strong understanding of compliance frameworks and risk assessment basics. Within weeks of completing the program, she secured a Junior Governance, Risk, and Compliance Analyst role at a technology consulting firm.
“SheRoots gave me clarity and confidence. I finally understood where I fit in cybersecurity, and the mentorship helped me prepare for interviews I never thought I’d pass.”
Participant 2: Blessing O. – SOC Analyst (Entry-Level) Blessing leveraged the technical exposure and career coaching from the bootcamp to reposition herself from general IT support into cybersecurity. She is now employed as an Entry-Level Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, where she actively supports monitoring and incident reporting.
“The bootcamp didn’t just teach me theory—it showed me what cybersecurity work actually looks like. That made all the difference.”
Participant 3: Fatima A. – Cybersecurity Intern Fatima, a final-year undergraduate, used the SheRoots Bootcamp as her first structured exposure to cybersecurity. With guidance from CYSEC NG mentors, she secured a Cybersecurity Internship with a growing fintech company, gaining hands-on experience while still in school.
“SheRoots opened doors for me. I now have real-world experience and a clear career direction before graduation.”
7. Participant Testimonials
Feedback from participants highlighted the quality and relevance of the program:
- “This is one of the most beginner-friendly yet impactful tech programs I’ve attended. CYSEC NG truly understands how to support women entering cybersecurity.”
- “The mentorship sessions were powerful. Hearing real stories from professionals made the career feel achievable.”
- “SheRoots gave me more than skills—it gave me a community and confidence.”
8. Key Outcomes Summary
- Increased cybersecurity awareness and skill acquisition among women
- Improved employability and job readiness
- Direct employment and internship placements for participants
- Strengthened CYSEC NG’s role as a leader in inclusive cybersecurity capacity building
9. Conclusion and Way Forward
The SheRoots Bootcamp successfully met its objectives by empowering women with relevant cybersecurity skills, confidence, and career opportunities. The program has proven that targeted, inclusive training can lead to tangible employment outcomes and long-term community impact.
CYSEC NG remains committed to:
- Scaling the SheRoots Bootcamp
- Strengthening partnerships with employers
- Expanding advanced learning pathways for women in cybersecurity
The SheRoots Bootcamp stands as a strong testament to CYSEC NG’s mission of building a secure, inclusive, and skilled digital future.
