Dooshima Dabo’Adzuana – Her CyberTracks: my personal story
“My name is Dooshima Dabo’Adzuana, and I’ll be your host as we gain insights, knowledge and strategies to stay ahead and secure our rapidly changing digital environment,” previews the trailer for the Secure Strides podcast.
Dooshima launched the Secure Strides podcast in 2024 following her participation in Her CyberTracks, to explore the intersection of technology, cybersecurity and digital trust, and to advance safety and security in our connected world.
“I wanted a resource that used conversations to make our digital world more secure. My hope is that Secure Strides is a space and resource for professionals who are interested in cybersecurity diplomacy and governance but who are not sure how to make progress or what kinds of opportunities are out there,” she said.
Each episode dives into conversations with experts, academics and thought leaders, discussing the latest trends, challenges and solutions in cybersecurity and digital resilience. The podcast was heavily influenced by the insights and experiences gained during Her CyberTracks.
“The Her CyberTracks curriculum included several modules that greatly influenced the development of the podcast. These sessions developed my skills in public speaking and communication, understanding global cybersecurity issues and developing a purpose statement for the show,” she said.
When Dooshima applied for the Her CyberTracks program in 2023, she was intrigued by its multi-disciplinary nature, combining her passion for technology with her commitment to empowering women and addressing global security challenges.
“Participating in Her CyberTracks has expanded my professional network and introduced me to new opportunities to influence cybersecurity policy on a global scale,” said Dooshima. “It has also reinforced my commitment to advocating for gender equity in technology and security fields, providing me with the tools and confidence to take on leadership roles in these areas.”
The Her CyberTracks program taught its participants practical skills to understand and apply the processes of cybersecurity policy and cyber diplomacy, to contribute effectively to national and international cybersecurity policymaking.
Her CyberTracks works across three pillars:
- Train: expert training courses to equip women with the technical and soft skills needed to shape cybersecurity,
- Mentor: a mentorship programme for women in senior positions to mentor women at the junior level, helping to foster professional and personal growth, and
- Inspire: inspirational keynotes, study visits and networking meetings to shift perceptions and position women as valuable additions to the cybersecurity workforce.
The program helped Dooshima to gain a deeper understanding of the cybersecurity policy landscape, particularly how it intersects with international development and governance, as well as strengthened her capabilities in negotiation and leadership techniques, which are crucial for addressing the challenges of digital security in developing regions.
One major highlight of the program was the training in Accra, Ghana.
“The on-site simulation exercise on UN-level international cybersecurity decision-making processes and multilateral negotiations training in Accra Ghana was a once in a lifetime experience!” said Dooshima. “This turned out to be extremely relevant as upon return, I was invited by the ICT & Cybersecurity and National Security & Intelligence committee to participate in a stakeholder review of Nigeria’s Cyber Crime Act 2024 at our National Assembly.”
Following her participation in the program, in addition to launching the Secure Strides podcast, Dooshima returned to school as a graduate researcher, studying cybersecurity and effective writing methods for teaching students in secondary math and science classrooms.
“One of my goals on my Her CyberTracks application was to earn a Master’s degree. With the guidance of my Her CyberTracks mentor, I applied to several programs and received a fully funded scholarship.”
“My future goals include continuing to work at the intersection of technology and governance, with a focus on improving cybersecurity and advancing digital literacy in developing regions. Her CyberTracks has certainly influenced this direction by equipping me with the expertise and connections needed to make a more significant impact in this field,” she said.
Applications for the next edition of Her CyberTracks are open until 14 April 2025.
Learn more about Her CyberTracks here.
This is an ITU Development #DigitalImpactUnlocked story
About the project
Project number: 7GLO24142
Project title: Partnership for Strengthening Cybersecurity – Phase 2
Description: The objective of the project “Her Cybertracks” financed by the grant is to provide women seeking to enter and/or advance in the field of cybersecurity with a one-stop holistic curriculum. In order to achieve this objective, the following measures are planned to be undertaken by the Recipient:
– Women interested and/or involved in cybersecurity policymaking are equipped with the technical and soft skills to understand and actively shape national and – international cybersecurity policies and regulations in a sustainable manner.
– Cultural barriers are overcome and a shift in mindset regarding the role of women in cybersecurity is achieved to encourage greater presence of women in the field.
– Increased participation and representation of women in cybersecurity workforce.
– Through this grant ITU will receive funding of EUR 360,662.50 from GIZ.
Visit the project page for more details.
