CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY RECAP
ICoCA celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021 by recognising the role women in private security play in ensuring responsible security provision in complex environments around the world. ICoCA Member and Affiliate companies sent us profiles of women in their workforce, working on the front lines in a male-dominated industry. Thanks to all the women who participated, sharing their insights on how they balance their family lives with demanding jobs. Here is a small selection of the insights shared.
“This has definitely been a challenge, as working in a male-dominated field people have many preconceptions, and you really have to assert your authority at times to be taken seriously. However, women should not shy away from joining this sector. If you embrace it, set goals, and maintain integrity and your principles in everything you do, then you can definitely succeed.”
“As we celebrate International women’s day, I challenge all women to reach for greater heights in leadership irrespective of the many human restrictions and obstacles.”
“I wake up 4:00am and get ready to go work. I prepare my 10 year old child for school and leave her with the house girl. I leave the house by 5:15am and get to work. I start my shift at 6:00am. I work at the main gate of an office building. The main job is guarding the main entrance of the building. I carry out security searches on vehicles, visitors and staff members. We also patrol the building, amongst other tasks. My day ends at 6:00pm. I go back home. I spend some time with my child. We cook, eat then head to bed at about 9:00pm.”
“Working in the security industry, especially in the earlier days, with longer hours was quite a task, a challenge that comes with stress and frustration also, as I had a couple roles to fulfil a mother and a wife first, and then a Security Officer. Before I left for work, I ensured that I prepared breakfast and lunch for my family. I worked twelve-hour shifts, both day and night duties, which meant that I was out of the house for more than 14 hours a day. When I returned home from duty, I prepared dinner for the family, and continued to prepare for the following day.”
Vashtie, Innovative Security Technologies, Trinidad & Tobago