The ratio of men-to-women voices in the media is 4 to 1.  I learned this statistic when I attended an OpEd writing workshop two weeks ago put on by <a href="http://www.theopedproject.org/">The OpEd project</a>, which seeks to increase the number of women voices in the media.  Its strategy is to teach women the insider tips for publishing OpEds as a outlet for women to garner influence and visibility on the international stage.  Indeed, the New York chapter of <a href="http://csis.org/program/wiis">Women in International Security</a> partnered with the OpEd project last year for a training.  I was inspired by The OpEd's aggressive goals, and it got me thinking that its strategy could be customized for women's advancement in the security industry. 

Statistically speaking, the tipping point for movements to promote change for women is <a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/69256997/EXCERPT-Women-Lead-The-Wayhttp://">30-33 percent</a>, which I also learned at the OpEd Project's training.  Applying it to women's advancement in the security industry, women making up 30-33 percent of top roles in the  industry will produce more opportunities for and reduce barriers to advancement.  In order to make up 30-33 percent of the industry's leadership, then we need to achieve two very important milestones (I am sure there are others, but these metrics are specific and achievable to take action on now):

1) 30-33 percent of women actively participating in the industry outside of their day-to-day roles.

2) 30-33 percent of women operating in the industry's public fora as speakers, professional organization's chapter leaders, conference speakers, and authoring content in security publications.

To achieve 30-33 percent of women in the to roles, we need to invite our friends to join us at industry events.  In addition, we need women participating confidently in conversations inside and outside of our organizations, speaking up, sharing our view, engaging in dialogue when conflict arises, and discussing our successes and opportunities for development.  CSO Leadership Training offers training modules and flexibile options for achieving  these goals.

To accomplish the second milestone, we need women to COMMUNICATE our areas of expertise in industry discussion fora, such as leading sessions at annual conferences, leading webinars, volunteering for leadership roles, and drafting articles to publish in security publications.  There are a whole host of security publications (Security magazine, CSO Online, Security Director, ASIS Dynamics are just a few).  Check out my recent article on security executive development:  <a href="http://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/82229-skills-for-a-successful-executive-in-the-business-of-security">Skills for a Successful Security Executive in the Business of Security</a>. 

We don't have to achieve it all in one year, and we don't have to accomplish it individually.  We can do this together in support of one another.  In fact, it is much more fun doing it as a group working toward the same goal. 

So, can I ask you to consider doing one of the following as a goal for the rest of the year?  Volunteering within the industry in some capacity or submitting an article for publication.  Don't know where to get started?  Contact me <a href="mailto:Natalie@CSOLeadershipTraining.com">Natalie@CSOLeadershipTraining.com</a> and let's brainstorm.  It's FREE.  What do you have to lose? Not much, maybe a little time.  What do you have to gain?  Alot!  A tangible action plan to gain credibility, visibility, and confidence.

I look forward to hearing from you.