Advancing Previously Disadvantaged Women In Private Security — Lionesses of Africa

by Ntsoaki Sibiya 

The Security Industry sector is becoming an increasingly critical source of jobs as the rate of unemployment among women increases. The unemployment rate among black African women stands at nearly 41% compared to 32% among men. These disparities are not only the product of a profoundly unbalanced economy, they also contribute to gender inequality in society.

Gender Equality In Private Security 

Pressure on the industry to increase its female factor is a task that requires dedicated and unrelenting attention. The empowerment of those historically disadvantaged through unfair discrimination in the industry is an integral part of efforts to achieve inclusive growth, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities for women in private security.

The main reason for women’s traditional exclusion from the industry is the issue of safety. However, this concern is being addressed by cutting-edge technology and high-end training designed to enhance personal safety along with job performance. Technology also provides high quality surveillance systems, real-time incident monitoring and reporting systems, smart phones, GPS tracking and reliable communication channels between control rooms and colleagues.

Women have gone through a series of struggles to prove their capabilities and become equal in the workplace to their male counterparts. More recently, women have actively positioned themselves for growth within the security profession in both government and private industry. There is a new movement on the horizon, and it includes capable women implementing a vision of change. The number of women in security is rapidly increasing in the workforce.

Economic Growth and Advancement of Women In Private Security 

The economic empowerment of women in private security is not a technical exercise achieved merely by improving industry policy and introducing progressive programmes. It is a process of fundamental social transformation in which the sector must be actively involved. Another vitally important reason for this initiative is that the economic empowerment of women is one of the pillars of the National Strategic Plan Against GBV and Femicide against women. By improving the economic circumstances of women, we are reducing their vulnerability to abuse and violence. If a woman is economically empowered and not economically dependent on a male partner, she is more likely to leave an abusive relationship. When you empower a woman, you empower a nation, you empower her as a mother because she puts her family first.

Women in private security are actively seeking out employment with the industry, and those who manage to secure jobs hold their positions for up to 5 years. This longevity alone indicates passion and commitment amongst women. Therefore mentoring and equipping women to take up space within the industry, and using the talents women have, is imperative to solving some of the problems our country faces.