Yawar Abbas Bangash
Session Speaker
Experienced academic and researcher with over a decade of global teaching, research and supervision in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Computer Networks across Asia and Europe, including collaborative projects with Germany and Turkey. Skilled in mentoring postgraduate students and delivering workshops on Human Factors in Software Engineering and Cybersecurity. Combines extensive academic and industry experience with innovative, hands-on teaching approaches, fostering research-driven communities. Actively involved in international education, including roles in Kazakhstan, and recognized for advancing research in SDN, IoT, Computer Networks, and Human Factors in SE and Cybersecurity.
Empowering Women through Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education: Building Inclusive Digital Societies AbstractArtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, healthcare, business, governance, and everyday life. However, the benefits of AI and digital technologies cannot be fully realized unless women are equally represented, empowered, and equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the digital economy. Despite significant technological advancements, women continue to encounter barriers including limited access to digital education, cybersecurity awareness, leadership opportunities, and participation in emerging technology fields. This presentation explores how human-centred Artificial Intelligence, combined with inclusive cybersecurity education, can serve as a catalyst for women's empowerment and sustainable social development. Drawing upon experiences from international research collaborations, higher education, and capacity-building initiatives—including EU-funded cybersecurity awareness programs—the talk demonstrates how AI-enabled learning environments, personalized education platforms, ethical AI systems, and digital literacy initiatives can reduce gender disparities while fostering confidence, innovation, and leadership among women. The presentation further discusses the importance of integrating human factors into AI system design to ensure fairness, accessibility, transparency, and inclusivity. Particular emphasis is placed on creating secure digital environments where women can safely engage with online platforms, pursue careers in STEM disciplines, and contribute to technological innovation without facing disproportionate cybersecurity risks. Finally, the session presents practical recommendations for universities, policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to promote gender-inclusive AI education, strengthen digital resilience, and encourage women's active participation in the future digital workforce. By combining technological innovation with human-centred design principles, AI can become a powerful enabler of gender equity, social inclusion, and sustainable development. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Women's Empowerment, Gender Equity, Human-Centred AI, Cybersecurity Education, Digital Inclusion, Human Factors, Digital Literacy, STEM Education, Sustainable Development.