March 31, 2022

This month marked International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month (in some countries), a time to commemorate and honor generations of amazing women and their achievements throughout history. As a global movement that looks to the Internet for connection, opportunity, and inspiration, Digital Peace Now deeply cares about the essential role women have in shaping our digital world and strengthening our connectivity. Even though women still face systemic barriers in the technology sector, changemakers such as Grace Hopper, Ida Holz, and Anne-Marie Eklund Löwinder prove women were part of the Internet’s development every step of the way.

That’s why this month, we asked our community to nominate outstanding female peers who have made our cyberspace a better place and how they inspire others to protect the Internet. Here are some of the many contemporary women figures pushing our digital world forward: 

First Honoree
Name:
Michele Markoff

Occupation:
Deputy Coordinator for Cyber Issues in the Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Affairs at the U.S. State Department.

Nominated by:
Duncan Hollis
Laura H. Carnell Professor of Law, Temple Law School

Known (and accepts being called) the “Mother of Cyber Norms” – she’s been part of forging the field of cyber diplomacy through her work on various United Nation Group of Governmental Experts (UN GGEs) as well as in various other multilateral and bilateral dialogues and conversations. Michele had a large role to play in forging the 2015 11 voluntary norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace and the more recent 2021 GGE Report.

Second Honoree
Name:
Disha Ravi

Occupation:
Founder of Fridays For Future India

Nominated by:
Gurmehar Kaur
Global Ambassador, Digital Peace Now

She uses technology to enable much-needed climate action, proving that our shared digital world is an important place for education and inspiration. She also makes cyberspace a place to rally the unheard, give them a platform to voice their opinions, and spark the confidence they need to fight for the rights of marginalized communities. When others try to use the Internet as a weapon to intimidate, she uses it as a tool to empower! I nominate climate activist Disha Ravi!

Third Honoree

Name:
Kristin Lord

Occupation:
President and CEO of IREX

Nominated by:
Elizabeth (Liz) Hume
Acting President and CEO, Alliance for Peacebuilding

Kristin is a leader in the peacebuilding field and has worked tirelessly to combat dis/misinformation and promote cybersecurity in conflict-affected and fragile states. Kristin is a leader and a significant force in the field. She even oversaw the launch of the creation of the PeaceTech Lab! Kristin is a mentor to many women and is extremely collaborative. A fantastic role model for women!

Fourth Honoree

Name:
Bronwyn Mercer

Occupation:
Cybersecurity Architect at Microsoft

Nominated by:
Raj Burli
Global Ambassador, Digital Peace Now

As the chair of Australia’s Internet Governance Forum (NetThing), an alumni advisor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)’s Cybersecurity Society, and a Sydney chapter co-lead of the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN), Bronwyn is deeply dedicated to making cyberspace better. She has a huge focus on young women and inspiring them to engage in cybersecurity. Not only does the industry need greater equality but moreover, having more women in security would arguably lead to a safer and more diverse “cyberverse”. I think the work that she does emphasizes and works to a granular root of protecting the cyber world and encouraging digital peace – the education of women.