They said security wasn't for
women. They were wrong.

Stories, advice, and career routes from women building real
futures in security.

Explore what's changing

Stories from the frontline

Sharleene

15 years in security

Why she chose security

"Liked the flexible hours and shift patterns"

Successfully managed a major incident or emergency

Inappropriate comments, constantly having to prove herself, not being taken seriously by male colleagues; Sharleene's been through it all but she's still here. Her ability to easily adapt to challenging circumstances and continuously develop new skills has helped her thrive in her career. Her advice: Talk to other females and do what your gut tells you.

Jacqueline

40+ years in security

Why she chose security

"A fulfilling career where she could help people"

Successfully managed a major incident or emergency

Jackie is no stranger to the security industry throwing curveballs, but that hasn't stopped her. Over 40 years, she has experienced career growth, overcome obstacles, debunked myths, and emerged stronger. Her advice: Strive for success and don't give up.

Montanna

1–3 years in security

Why she chose security

"Wanted a fulfilling career where she could help people"

Earned a promotion and moved into a leadership role

Ellie’s dad was the first person to believe she'd go places in security, and he was right. The job turned out to be far less about confrontation and far more about communication. Despite a lack of female role models, she earned her promotion. As she puts it, "You don't have to be the biggest one in the room to command respect."

Biruta

1–3 years in security

Why she chose security

"Wanted a career change"

Gained the full trust and respect of her team

Working harder than men comes with the territory, but for Biruta, the reward outweighs it all. She wouldn't change a thing about her path. "I find satisfaction in seeing people's happy faces and words of gratitude. It outweighs all the difficulties." Making a real difference to people’s lives has been one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Tracey

33 years in security

Why she chose security

"A friend recommended it"

Successfully managed a major incident or emergency

Tracey’s journey started three decades ago, and she has seen the security industry evolve. It was challenging to be in a field where there was a lack of female role models and she had to work harder than men to prove herself, but this did not stop her. The industry turned out to be more professional than she first thought. Her advice: Keep going. Don't let males think they're better than us.

Elizabeth

6–10 years in security

Why she chose security

"Wanted a fulfilling career where she could help people"

Became a mentor and role model for other women

It's a hard but rewarding job, and if Elizabeth could go back, she'd tell herself to be more confident from the start. Today, she's earned the respect of the public and her peers and mentors other women coming into the industry. Her advice: Do your research and make sure it’s a job you want.

Gillian

33 years in security

Why she chose security

"Was too short for the police in 1990"

Earned a promotion and moved into a leadership role

Gillian didn’t meet the height requirement for the police in 1990, so she went into security instead and never looked back. The most rewarding parts of her career have been teamwork, continuous learning, and de-escalating difficult situations. As she puts it for newcomers: "Do it — it's amazing."

Kerry

6–10 years in security

Why she chose security

"Wanted a fulfilling career where she could help people"

Gained the full trust and respect of her team

While working in A&E security, Kerry once calmed a young man having a mental health episode who spoke no English, using Google Translate to get through to him. Now she's building toward a more senior role by consistently developing new skills. Her advice: Hold your own. Stand tall and keep true to yourself.

Autumn

6–10 years in security

Why she chose security

"Wanted a fulfilling career where she could help people"

Received formal recognition or an award for her work

A female manager at her company showed Autumn what's possible, and she's been proving that security isn't a "man's world" ever since. The biases are real, but they haven't held her back. What she wants from the industry: More understanding of disability and injuries when working with others and customers.

Inga

6–10 years in security

Why she chose security

"Wanted a fulfilling career where she could help people"

Successfully managed a major incident or emergency

During her career, Inga has debunked the myth that security isn’t a woman’s industry. Her training allowed her to prepare for the work, and she has been actively developing new skills to push toward a more senior role. What she has learned: We can react quickly and confidently to difficult situations without emotions. The main thing is to improve in the principles of psychology of communicating with people.

Amanda

12 years in security

Why she chose security

"Wanted a career change"

Earned a promotion and moved into a leadership role

Security is a man's world? Amanda has spent 12 years proving otherwise. The industry turned out far more professional than she ever expected, and she wouldn't change a thing. Her advice to newcomers in the industry: Always be yourself and never let anyone tell you that you can't do it.

Arrinataa

3–6 years in security

Why she chose security

"Liked the flexible hours and shift patterns"

Mastered a difficult skill and earned a new certification

For Arrina, the most rewarding part of working in security is making a real difference: de-escalating difficult situations and helping people feel safe. Balancing shift work with personal life hasn't been easy, but it's only made her more determined to keep developing her skills and become more aware of challenges.

Syreeta

6–10 years in security

Why she chose security

"Looking for a career change"

Making a real difference and de-escalating difficult situations

Now working in the NHS, Syreeta's discovered the job is far more about communication than confrontation. Looking back, she wishes she'd been more confident from the start. "Go into your chosen role with your eyes open. Do not let anyone tell you that you are not capable."

Cristina

Less than 1 year in security

Why she chose security

"The flexible hours and shift patterns"

Became a mentor and role model for other women

Not even a year in, and Cristina's already mentoring other women coming into the industry. The field is constantly evolving, and she's evolving with it. "Trust your training, stay confident, and never underestimate the value you bring to the team."

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Why more women are
choosing security

A career that actually helps people

Keeping people safe gives this career
real meaning.

Awareness matters more than size

Composure and quick thinking matter more than physical strength.

De-escalation is the real skill

Most situations are resolved through talking, not force.

SIA training sets you up properly

Women rate their SIA training as genuinely useful on the job.

Real opportunities to progress

Supervisory, management, and specialist roles are within reach.

Flexibility that works around life

Shift work that fits around family, studies, and life.

What women on the frontline want you to know

Don't let people walk all over you. You are just as worthy as any man who holds a badge on position with you.

Montanna 1–3 years in security

Be confident, be strong, learn every day and take time to appreciate the people you are helping.

Ruby 3–6 years in security

You are tougher than you think — mentally and physically!

Kacey 1–3 years in security

Look beyond the stereotypes and be yourself.

Hendred 25 years in security

You have more to offer than you may think. Find an aspect of the job that you enjoy and get exceptionally good at it.

Marta 1–3 years in security

Trust your training, stay confident, and never underestimate the value you bring to the team.

Cristina Less than 1 year in security

Go for it. It's hard but rewarding. More women are needed in the security industry.

Jaki 3–6 years in security

Do it — it's amazing.

Gill Sheffield 33 years in security

You are needed. Some people prefer to explain a problem to a woman rather than a big burly bloke. When females feel unsafe, they'll come to you.

Kelly 1–3 years in security

Be confident in your abilities and face your challenges with confidence. We can all achieve more than we think. Set a goal and go for it.

Biruta Smelena 1–3 years in security

Just do it. I've been told in my first month that I'm rarer than Bigfoot and as valuable as gold dust.

Natasha Less than 1 year in security

Hold your own. Stand tall and keep true to yourself.

Kerry 6–10 years in security

You can and you will. Trust your abilities and be the change you wish to see.

Hayley Johnson 6–10 years in security

Go for it and never let anyone tell you that you can't do it. You most certainly can.

Donna 15 years in security

Do not doubt yourself. You're just as capable as any man. Security isn't about physical strength.

Genevieve 3–6 years in security

What you lack in strength you make up for in other areas. Know your own strengths and use them.

Elaine 3–6 years in security

Keep pushing yourself. You will be surprised how far you get as a female in the security industry.

Ashlee 14 years in security

Don't just wait for a seat at the security table — understand the machinery of the table, then go ahead and create.

Tumelo 6–10 years in security

Don't settle for just learning the basics. Actively push to be trained on new things. Above all, don't let colleagues tell you that you can't better yourself — you can and you will exceed.

Jenny 12 years in security

Set your goals and go for it.

Sarah 20 years in security

Have confidence in yourself.

Gill Simcox 20 years in security

Know your worth.

Louise 6–10 years in security

Where a security
career takes you

What starts as a first role often leads to a career with real progression and purpose.

Promoted into leadership

Women are moving into supervisory and management positions, often within a few years of starting out.

Managing critical incidents

From evacuations to conflict resolution, women are handling high-pressure situations with confidence.

Mentoring the next generation

Experienced women are becoming mentors, creating the representation the industry has long needed.

Need help covering training costs?

We offer fully funded SIA training for women who want to get into security but need financial support to get started.

Course and exam fees fully covered
No prior experience required
Free mock exams and study materials
Starting salaries from £24K+

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Hear from our past learners

Lia Taneva

Dive into Lia Taneva's journey and insights as she navigates her career in security with Get Licensed.

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Anna Maria Pollini

See how acing her Door Supervisor course with Get Licensed got Anna Maria her dream job.

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Courtney Dennis

Discover insights from Courtney's successful journey in security.

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Not sure where to start?
We'll clear it up!

Women choose security for many reasons: wanting a fulfilling career where they can help people, seeking a stable and growing industry, and the flexibility of shift patterns that fit around other commitments. The security industry is worth over £10 billion in the UK and growing — and employers are actively looking to hire more women.

The most common challenge is not being taken seriously by male colleagues or the public. However, many women report they haven't faced any major gender-related challenges at all. The industry is changing, and once women prove themselves on the job, they earn the full trust and respect of their teams.

Yes — SIA training is consistently rated as highly effective by women working in security. While there are always surprises on the job that training can't fully replicate, it provides a strong foundation, particularly in conflict management, communication, and legal knowledge.

Yes. Get Licensed offers fully funded SIA training for women who want to start a career in security but can't afford the course fees. The programme covers course fees, exam fees, and study materials. No experience is needed — you can apply online in minutes.

The first step is completing your SIA training and obtaining your SIA licence. Get Licensed offers courses across the UK, including fully funded options for women. Once licensed, you can apply for roles as a door supervisor, CCTV operator, or close protection officer. Many of our learners secured their first security role within weeks of completing their training.

The most common career trajectory for women in security is steady growth and promotion. Many have moved into leadership and management roles, while others have specialised in areas like CCTV operations, close protection, or corporate security. The industry offers clear progression paths, and women are being promoted into senior positions more than ever.