Ways to Support Women on Your OSINT Teams (and Beyond)

This week, I had a fantastic time doing a book signing at OSMOSIScon in New Orleans, where I met many brilliant OSINT Analysts, Managers, and Business Owners. During the event, a recurring and intriguing topic was women in OSINT. Specifically, I had men asking me how they could support women in the field, both in peer and management roles. While I can't speak for all women, I've had some insightful discussions with other women in the industry, and together we came up with some ways to help support women in OSINT roles and those looking to join the field.

1. Empower Women to Showcase Their Technical Skills: Let's break the stereotype that women can't handle technical tasks. Encourage women to explore various research skills and provide opportunities for them to try new things with a safety net. Trust me; they're more than "technical enough."

2. Offer Equal Mentorship Opportunities: Everyone on your team, regardless of gender, should have access to mentorship and guidance. In a 2023 Skillsoft study of Women Working in Technology, 45% of women surveyed felt they weren't getting equal opportunities. To build a well-rounded OSINT team, ensure that everyone can seek feedback and support.

3. Create a Safe Space for Experimentation: Let's acknowledge that it's okay to fail. Provide an environment where women can try new things without fear of embarrassment. After all, failure is part of the journey.

4. Cultivate an Environment of Shared Success: Remember, the best managers are those who step back and let their teams shine. Encourage all team members, including women, to share their thoughts and challenge their thinking constructively.

5. Listen and Act When Issues Arise: Address workplace harassment and microaggressions. Be approachable and willing to help women work through problems. The 2023 Deloitte Women @ Work Report revealed that more than four in 10 women experience harassment and microaggressions.

6. Champion Women's Ideas: Ensure that women receive credit for their contributions, both publicly and within your organization. Stand up against any attempts to attribute a woman's ideas to someone else.

7. Educate Yourself: Gain an understanding of the challenges women face in the workplace. Be aware of any privilege you may have and use it to support your female colleagues.

8. Be Flexible: Create an inclusive and adaptable work environment that accommodates different needs. Provide options like remote work, flexible hours, or job-sharing to help women balance their personal and professional lives effectively.

9. Develop Talent Pipelines: Encourage young women to explore the OSINT field by supporting programs and initiatives in schools or local communities. This helps build confidence and fosters interest in OSINT from an early age.

10. Promote Inclusivity: Encourage all to contribute their unique insights and ideas. It's also vital to address any biases, whether they're conscious or not, that could impact women in OSINT. This creates a more collaborative and innovative workspace.

Supporting women in OSINT isn't just about gender equality; it's about harnessing the full potential of diverse perspectives and talents to advance the field. When women are empowered and provided with opportunities, OSINT teams thrive and produce exceptional results.