International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action Together
In 2025, we’re facing an uncomfortable reality: according to the World Economic Forum, it will take 133 years to achieve gender parity.
This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, is a call to close that gap faster. We’re using this day to reflect on the challenges and celebrate the steps we are taking to build an equal future for women.
We are committed to accelerating gender equity in security, an industry traditionally seen as male-dominated. Through inclusive hiring, leadership development, and community partnerships, we’re making security a sector where women thrive.
Driving meaningful change
Wilson Security champions a culture of inclusion, connection, and empowerment for women in our workforce and communities. As such, we have clear goals to increase female representation across the business.
- 25% of our workforce will be women by 2030 (currently 15%)
- 45% of corporate roles will be held by women by 2030 (currently 35%)
- Industry-leading 18-week gender-neutral paid parental leave to support working parents
Bibi, Security Officer – Critical Infrastructure, NSW
“My proudest moment at Wilson Security has been experiencing the positive work environment where my colleagues are always ready to support and help each other. This sense of camaraderie and teamwork has profoundly impacted me, especially as a woman in the industry. It has shown me that the security field is not only about technical skills but also about collaboration and mutual respect.
This supportive atmosphere has shaped my perspective in a positive way, reinforcing that with the right team, anyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the industry.” – Bibi, Security Officer – Critical Infrastructure, NSW.
Leading the way in pay equity
Wilson Security is among the industry’s leading organisations for pay parity. This is according to the newest Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employee Gender Pays Gaps Report 2023-24 and the latest Wilson Security’s Employer Statement. The WGEA classifies our business gender pay gap as ‘neutral’, placing us among the top 30% of Australian employers; however, we recognise there remains work to do to reduce the gap further.
While gender pay equity is a strength at Wilson Security, increasing female participation in the security industry remains challenging.
Chief People Officer Lara Donnini states that “Enhancing female participation in the security industry presents an opportunity for sustainable growth. Women currently make up 15% of Wilson Security's workforce, and the business remains committed to strengthening female representation.”
Wilson Security continues to drive change, particularly in leadership roles, where representation has accelerated over time.
- 18% of our managers are now women, up from 13% in 2021-22
- Women represent 41% of our Wilson Security Leadership Team
Some of the steps we’re taking to close the pay gap, increase female representation and support career progression include:
- Merit-based promotion pathways that support women’s career progression
- Women of Wilson Leadership program – an initiative to develop female leaders
- All-female security training courses
We hope this sends a message to women considering a career in security: Wilson Security is a place where you can thrive.
Supporting women in leadership and career growth
Our Women of Wilson initiative supports female employees in leadership, skill development, and career advancement. This program creates a space where female employees feel empowered to succeed.
Dana, State Manager, Tasmania
“In terms of support at Wilson, a big thing for me was seeing how many women are in our national head office and in leadership roles. I felt professionally respected from day one, and that gave me confidence.”
“The difference at Wilson Security is that the leadership team lives the business's values. That keeps me motivated.”
Kaysee, Security Officer – Arts & Government, South Australia
“I started my security journey only two months ago, and I’ve already learnt so much!
I’m the youngest in my team and still have a long way to go. But the knowledge I’ve gained so far has given me the strength and reason to continue thriving.
I’m so excited to see what the future holds for myself and other amazing women wanting to thrive within this industry.”
Breaking barriers in recruitment and retention
Diversity starts with recruitment. Wilson Security is increasing workforce diversity through targeted recruitment and inclusive hiring practices.
Our approach ensures:
- Greater female participation in security roles
- A focus on Indigenous women through programs and partnerships, such as Making Tracks and KARI
- Mentorship and leadership development opportunities
KARI Aboriginal Women’s Wellbeing Conference & Expo
We’re proud to support the KARI Foundation conference, an event that brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from across New South Wales.
This event, held on 6th March 2025 at Liverpool Catholic Club, provided an opportunity for Aboriginal women to talk about their hopes for the future, to strengthen existing community ties, build relationships, to share, to heal and to unite.
In this, it’s fourth year, the KARI Foundation conference will extend into Victoria to further broaden it’s reach into Aboriginal communities.
Creating pathways and Making Tracks for Indigenous jobseekers
Beginning in 2019, the Making Tracks program is about creating jobs, empowerment, cultural connection, and long-term career opportunities for Indigenous employees.
The program provides training and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers. Since 2023:
- 74 Indigenous women participated in Making Tracks
- Over 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees were placed in security roles
In 2024, we facilitated two Making Tracks programs exclusively for female participants, first launched on International Women’s Day.
Across the two programs:
- 21 participants in total
- 14 who successfully gained employment and 2 who are currently onboarding
The other 5 participants were placed into roles in community services by our team as they realised that Security wasn’t for them.
By investing in these programs, Wilson Security is breaking down barriers, creating real opportunities, and making security a career path that’s open to all.
Lorna, Security Officer and graduate of the Making Tracks program, NSW
“I wanted to be a security officer because I enjoy helping others and making sure everyone is safe.
Before I started, I thought a security guard's role was to stand at the front of a store or pub and look tough. But since joining the industry, I realised there’s more to it.
This industry values diversity and provides opportunities for professional growth, regardless of gender. So don’t hesitate to give it a go. You’d be surprised where it could take you.”
An evolving industry with opportunities for all genders
The security industry has changed for the better. Technology, risk management, and customer engagement have transformed security into a diverse and dynamic field with career opportunities for people of all genders.
Janine, General Manager Customer Experience & Markets
“As a woman who has seen the industry evolve over 26 years, I’m grateful to be part of a sector that values diversity, encourages innovation, and genuinely cares about safety.
Newcomers often assume security work isn’t for someone like them or that it involves constant physical confrontation. The reality is far from that. Today’s security roles range from cybersecurity and AI-driven risk management to customer service and corporate security. Many roles offer flexibility, technology-driven problem-solving, and leadership opportunities.”
Dana, State Manager, Tasmania
“People think “security” just means “security officer,” but you could be a workforce planner, work in marketing, or any number of corporate roles. People don’t associate that with “security,” but there is corporate opportunity.
This is a good industry because there’s equal pay for women and men. So there’s no gender pay gap in that sense. That’s a big positive.”
Looking ahead
As we celebrate the achievements of the women at Wilson Security, we recognise there's still much work to be done.
International Women's Day 2025 reminds us to stay focused on progress, listen to our people, and act every day to ensure equality is not just a goal but a reality.
Together, we can #AccelerateAction and create a brighter, more inclusive future for women across the security industry and beyond.
Happy International Women's Day from all of us at Wilson Security.
