Sri Lanka takes a significant leap towards gender equality and global technological leadership as the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) proudly represents the nation at the Women in Cyber Fellowship 2023 hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in the USA. Ms. Chadika Yahampath, Senior Manager of Capacity Building at ICTA, has secured sponsorship from the UK government to partake in this esteemed program. This achievement not only underscores Ms. Yahampath's individual excellence but also positions Sri Lanka as a pivotal contributor to international cyber diplomacy.

The Women in Cyber Fellowship program stands as an innovative initiative, aimed at ensuring active female participation in UN cyber negotiations and bridging the gender gap within the technology domain. The program accentuates capacity development through workshops and training, providing direct support to participants during their engagement in UN First and Third Committee processes. ICTA's representation in this prestigious program underscores Sri Lanka's dedication to promoting gender parity and amplifying women's voices in worldwide cybersecurity dialogues.

Ms. Yahampath's fellowship commenced with her participation in a transformative training program focused on 'Multilateral Negotiations and Capacity Building'. She gained the opportunity to attend the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security of and in the use of Information and Communications Technologies from 2021 to 2025. During this period, she contributed her insights to vital discussions that shape the responsible use of technology on a global scale.

The accomplishment of the Suhuruliya program and the commendable efforts of ICTA in empowering women in Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in securing sponsorship and Women in Cyber Fellowship. Suhuruliya, one of ICTA's flagship initiatives, is geared towards supporting the social and economic empowerment of rural women through ICT-enabled entrepreneurship and digital expansion. More than 17,000 rural women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka have witnessed their income surge by Rs. 1.2 billion in the past year, thanks to the empowering Suhuruliya program.

The direct and indirect impacts of the Suhuruliya program have made substantial contributions to the country's economy over the past half-decade. Consequently, 175,000 individuals, including women, have been able to effect positive transformations in their lives. With Suhuruliya transitioning into a new paradigm with a fresh strategy, this opportunity provides Sri Lanka with valuable insights into trends in women's digital empowerment. Such insights will prove instrumental in formulating and successfully implementing the Suhuruliya 2.0 strategy, continuing to empower and inspire women.

In a world increasingly reliant on digital technology, achieving gender equality in access to technology and digital skills remains pivotal for fostering comprehensive economic growth and empowering women to excel in the digital economy. Women's empowerment has been a consistent component of ICTA's national capacity-building strategies, aimed at equipping women from all walks of life with the digital proficiencies essential for full participation in the digital society and economy. These strategies strive to dismantle barriers obstructing women's digital inclusion, encourage gender diversity in technology fields, and harness technology as a tool for women's socioeconomic advancement.

The Women in Cyber Fellowship program directly addresses the gender disparity within the cybersecurity arena, serving as a platform for women to enter and excel in this traditionally male-dominated industry. By means of tailor-made training and networking opportunities, the program empowers women with the skills, confidence, and connections necessary to thrive in this rapidly evolving domain.

This fellowship fosters personal and professional growth by facilitating interaction with experienced professionals, mentors, and peers. This nurturing environment enables participants to exchange experiences, ideas, and achievements. The program's emphasis on building a robust professional network creates opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity landscape.

The fellowship promises strategic insights aligned with Suhuruliya's mission, fostering sustainable growth while nurturing networking, collaborations, and potential international partnerships. Through this involvement, ICTA emerges as a pioneering advocate in women's digital empowerment, establishing trust and credibility. Sri Lanka is poised to make substantial contributions to global cybersecurity deliberations while championing the cause of women's empowerment, thanks to its participation in the UN Women in Cyber Fellowship.