Consistent with its ongoing push for digital inclusion, Onward Tech will support the Data Security Council of India's cybersecurity skilling centre aimed at enhanced employability for women while meeting industry demand for trained cybersecurity professionals
As a rapidly digitizing economy, India is experiencing an unprecedented rise in cyber threats across industries. At the same time, cybersecurity workforce continues to face a significant skills shortage. There exists a gender gap in cybersecurity that remains a challenge— women are vastly underrepresented in the field. Addressing these gaps presents a dual opportunity:
* Bolstering India’s cybersecurity capabilities to accelerate digitalization across industries
* Fostering digital inclusion by empowering young women with future-ready skills
Onward Tech, as part of the Digital Inclusion pillar of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program is committed to bridging the digital divide by engaging rural communities with relevant digital training that enhances employability and entrepreneurial pursuits. In association with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), we are supporting a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping women engineering graduates from tier-II, tier-III cities, and rural areas with specialized cybersecurity skills.
This initiative aligns with our commitment to bridging the digital divide, fostering inclusive technological progress, and enabling the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to protect India’s growing digital economy.
Onward Tech’s support for DSCI’s cybersecurity skilling initiative
DSCI has already trained thousands of women from tier-II and tier-III cities across India, creating a skilled talent pool for cybersecurity roles.
Its program focuses on:
* Increasing women's participation in cybersecurity
* Empowering underprivileged women by equipping them with critical skills and career opportunities in a high-demand sector
* Providing a comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum covering network security, cryptography, application security, and cyber risk assessment
* Supporting job placement through collaborations with 100+ leading organizations that recruit cybersecurity skilled graduates
Recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF), this initiative has proven its ability to positively impact women’s employability and strengthen India’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The cybersecurity training center for women
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of a physical cybersecurity training center in Mumbai, in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Key features of the training center:
Infrastructure
* A 2,000 sq. ft. training facility allocated by BMC (area given to DSCI)
* Computer labs with essential cybersecurity tools
Training programs
* Intensive 3-month cybersecurity training batches with 25 students per cohort
* Courses designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry application
* Specialized training modules, guest lectures, and workshops conducted by industry experts
Beneficiary focus
* Young women from underprivileged backgrounds: Mumbai, surrounding rural areas
* Training for police officers and government officials on cybersecurity fundamentals (secondary objective)
Industry integration & placement support:
* Direct recruitment partnerships with cybersecurity firms and BFSI employers
* Collaboration with industry leaders to ensure curriculum relevance, application
* Networking opportunities for students through hackathons, cybersecurity bootcamps, and mentorship programs
Strategic Alignment with Onward Tech’s CSR Goals
Key impact areas:
* Bridging the gender gap in cybersecurity and increasing women’s representation in STEM
* Enhancing digital employability for marginalized communities, fostering economic independence
* Strengthening India’s cybersecurity ecosystem, ensuring resilience against digital threats
* Creating an industry-aligned talent pipeline for private industry and public sector organizations
By integrating social responsibility with strategic workforce development, Onward Tech aims to create a lasting impact on India’s digital future. As digital adoption accelerates across industries, cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Through our partnership with DSCI’s skilling initiative, Onward Tech is proud to invest in the future of cybersecurity by empowering young women with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-evolving digital landscape.
This initiative directly aligns with Onward Tech’s broader commitment to digital inclusion, workforce development, and continued education equity in technology professions.
This digital inclusion initiative is not just about training—it’s about creating a future-ready cybersecurity workforce, fostering gender equity in technology, and strengthening India’s digital security framework.