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Women’s strong conflict resolution skills are leading to a surge in females entering the security industry, a leading firm claims.
They now make up the majority of management positions at Dublin-based Integrity Security, including event supervisors.
Its event security manager, Sharon O’Neill, insists women’s strong ability to resolve conflict is now changing the dynamic of the traditionally male-dominated sector.
“When someone mentions a security guard, many people picture an old-school bouncer – a big, tall, burly bloke standing by a door with his arms crossed,” said Ms O’Neill, who manages high-profile events such as Taste Of Dublin and Gifted in the capital.
“While this may have been the case 20 or so years ago, security companies are now seeking approachable, friendly and well-presented officers, with advanced conflict resolution skills.
“With this change, the industry is diversifying, and the need for female officers is growing.”
When Integrity Security is working to full capacity, almost a third of the 750 people it employs are female.
Simona Kotoviciute-Mungla, Operations and Roster Manager at Integrity, said while she never thought she would join the industry, it is a sector rife with opportunity.
“I never imagined I would work in the security industry, but I doubt I would have risen through the ranks as quickly as I did if I had worked in another field,” she said.
“The security industry is growing more quickly than many other sectors, and that means that there are great opportunities to succeed if you work hard and stay the course.”
When Integrity Security is working to full capacity, almost a third of the 750 people it employs are female.
Simona Kotoviciute-Mungla, Operations and Roster Manager at Integrity, said while she never thought she would join the industry, it is a sector rife with opportunity.
“I never imagined I would work in the security industry, but I doubt I would have risen through the ranks as quickly as I did if I had worked in another field,” she said.
“The security industry is growing more quickly than many other sectors, and that means that there are great opportunities to succeed if you work hard and stay the course.”
The 2023-2025 Strategic Plan of the Private Security Authority, published in January and endorsed by Justice Minister Simon Harris, includes a promise to examine ways to increase female participation in the industry.
Integrity Security CEO, Pat Byrne, says the sector is on the brink of major change as the ‘outdated, men-only perception’ of what security work involves is challenged.
“While we would never hire or promote a woman because of her gender, we have found many women arriving at the top of the list at the end of a recruitment process,” said Byrne.
“They bring a very different perspective, particularly as event supervisors and on-the-ground security staff.
“But, overall, women are under-represented in the sector, despite many having a positive perception of it, and this needs to be addressed within the industry.
“There is a need to dispel the outdated perception that this is a male-only business and create, across the board, a working environment attractive to all.
“I have never seen any desire among our women staff to be treated differently to men, merely to be treated fairly.”
Founded in 2021, Kilbarrack-based Integrity Security bounced out of the pandemic, staffing the first live concerts in Dublin for 16 months in June of that year.
The pilot events at Iveagh Gardens featured staggered access times, socially distanced queuing systems, hygiene stations, socially distanced pods for attendees and mask-wearing when outside the pod.