SJUK hears from Satia Rai, Chief Operating Officer for Leverage Security and CEO of the International Professional Security Association.

The security field has traditionally been male dominated, but over the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift towards gender inclusivity.

As a woman who has navigated and thrived in this industry, I have witnessed first-hand the unique perspectives and strengths women bring to security roles.  

Currently, 10% of security licence holders are female and we have about 28% of women in management/leadership roles.

I will share my experiences and those of other women in security, discuss gender dynamics in our industry, and highlight the success stories of women who have made significant strides in this field. 

My career in security began nearly three decades ago as a retail security officer.

Starting on the front lines, I quickly realised the lack of female representation.  

Throughout my career, I have navigated various challenges, from gender bias to the lack of representation and support for women in security.

However, my dedication and perseverance have helped me rise through the ranks to hold prominent positions in the industry.

I am also a member of the Security Skills Board, Chair of the Security EDI Forum, a member of the International Security Expo Advisory Council, a board member at NAHS and SIF and a committee member of LGBT FM. 

Achieving gender equality in security involves breaking down stereotypes, providing equal opportunities and fostering an environment where women can thrive.

Organisations are increasingly recognising the value of diversity and inclusion, not only as ethical imperatives but also as business strategies that lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes. 

During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to join the Inclusive Security Special Interest Group at the Security Institute.

This involvement became a pivotal moment in my career, highlighting the importance of authentic representation and support for women in our industry.

It was during this time that my passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion truly blossomed. 

Starting as a retail security officer and rising to the CEO of the International Professional Security Association has been an incredible journey.

My commitment to EDI has not only advanced my career but also created pathways for others to follow.

In my various advisory and leadership roles, including the Security Skills Board and the Security EDI Forum, I have worked to foster a culture where individuals can be their authentic selves at work, which has a profound impact on their personal and professional lives. 

Other notable Women in Security: 

• Anne Marie Chebib: Anne Marie is the Chair of the UK Crowd Management Association (UKCMA) and brings a wealth of experience to the association, both as its longstanding Secretary and as Managing Director of Select Security and Stewarding.  

• Fiona Walters: Fiona Walters is the Regional CEO for UK & Ireland at G4S.

She has a strong track record as a successful business leader, driving performance and sustainable value creation across multiple service lines and markets globally.  

• Gemma Quirke: Gemma Quirke is the Chief Operating Officer at Wilson James and serves as the Vice Chair of the Security Skills Board.

Gemma has played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives at Wilson James, focusing on recruitment, retention, and professional development within the security sector.  

• Heather Baily: Chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), Heather Baily QPM, has been leading the organisation since June 2021.

She was reappointed for another term extending her role until June 2026.  

• Julie Nell: Julie Nell is the Chair of The Security Institute.

Julie is an experienced senior leader within the security industry, with a career spanning 30 years across UK Military and Law Enforcement.  

• Michelle Russell: Michelle Russell is the Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Michelle has over 25 years of experience of working in regulation and regulatory environments.  

This year, the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) introduced, for the first time, an Outstanding Female Security Professional category, which was their most oversubscribed category.

This recognition highlights the growing impact of women in our field and the importance of celebrating their achievements. 

Additionally, there have been female-led thought leadership discussions at all major events, including the OSPAs Thought Leadership Summit, The Security Expo, and The Security Event.

These platforms have provided valuable opportunities for female leaders to share their insights and experiences, further promoting gender diversity and inclusion within the industry. 

In line with our commitment to supporting women in security, we held an International Women’s Day conference in London on the 8 March.

The event featured inspiring female speakers from the industry who shared their stories of overcoming challenges and barriers.

This conference was a testament to the strength and resilience of women in our field and served as a powerful platform for advocacy and support. 

While significant strides have been made, challenges remain. Gender bias and stereotypes continue to hinder the progress of many women in security.

There is a need for more robust mentorship programmes, gender pay gaps, gender-neutral recruitment practices and continuous education on the benefits of diversity in security. 

Organisations must also focus on creating safe and supportive environments where women can voice their concerns and ideas without fear of discrimination.

This includes addressing issues such as harassment and ensuring that policies are in place to protect and empower female security officers. 

The journey of women in security is one of resilience, innovation, and progress.

As more women like me break barriers and assume leadership roles, our industry becomes more inclusive and effective.

The contributions of female security officers are invaluable, and our stories serve as inspiration for future generations.  

Achieving gender equality in security is not just a goal but a continuous journey that requires commitment, awareness, and action from all stakeholders.

Through collective efforts, we can create a security landscape where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to a safer world. 

This article was originally published in the August Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.