International Women's Day 2023
Celebrating equity over equality this International Women’s Day
This week we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day that gets bigger each year as we progress and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world while renewing the call for gender parity across societies.
The focus on equity in this year's International Women’s Day acknowledges that women have historically faced discrimination and unequal treatment, and that addressing these disparities requires targeted and specific actions to address the unique challenges that women face. To learn more, head to the International Women’s Day website.
At Wilson Security, we’re firmly dedicated to shifting norms and creating specific initiatives and environments to increase women’s participation across all elements of the security industry. We know there’s a long road ahead to tread, but we’re incredibly proud to support women across the country in their many roles with the company and celebrate the incredible contribution they make not just to their teams and the company as a whole but to the wider communities they serve.
To celebrate this year's International Women's Day, we're heading around the country to learn from and celebrate the many women working within our teams. To kick off this week's Women of Wilson Security highlights, we’re showcasing some of the hard work our frontline and office staff undertake each day and ask them how they see the industry changing over time.
We’re incredibly grateful to learn how the women of Wilson Security enjoy their career with us, where they’ve come from and want to go, how they see the industry changing for the better and what their secrets for success are for women in the security industry. We recognise there is still much to do and through this process, our leadership will hear the valuable messages provided by these generous women and will take these in to account as we continue to strive to change for the better.
Narelle Cirillo – General Manager, Business Process
“Now is the time for women in security. We have some wonderfully talented women in our business who are in leadership roles, and I see the business encouraging women to progress. There are great leadership programs available if you are interested in progressing your career. My advice would be to talk to your manager and research what is available and take the lead with your career.”
Amanda Pearce - Operations Supervisor, TAS
“I have two daughters who are my greatest supporters and my greatest achievements. I raised them both as a single mother. I believe they have been my driving force to achieve positive outcomes in my chosen profession within the security industry and to be an example to them – showing them with strength and perseverance that they too can strive to be and do anything they set their mind to.”
Amy Joyce - Client Services Manager - TAS
“Should more women consider the security industry? Definitely! It never previously occurred to me that I’d work in the security industry because I always thought of security as “bouncers at the pub”, but of course I’ve since learned how wrong I was. Security work utilises such a broad range of skills from communication to relationship management, technical competencies, environmental awareness and so much more. I feel like there are a broad range of career opportunities in the security industry and potentially something for everyone.”
Andrea Manias - Security Officer ACT
“I’ve been working for Wilson Security since July 2021. I definitely recommend women consider the security industry. It's a relief to see that I wasn't the only one when I saw fellow female security officers. Things are improving but a significant majority are still men. Thankfully in my experience, I never dealt with any bias. People at Wilson Security are friendly and treat you equally.
It doesn't matter if you don't fit the physical stereotype. What matters is providing good customer service skills, and many women are good with that. I primarily work as a front desk access control guard, so I very rarely deal with any danger.”
Cindy Carter - Security Supervisor, NT
“I wanted a change from my career path, to challenge myself beyond my comfort zone, do something meaningful and help people, so I decided to get my security licence.
I have enjoyed most of my assignments along my journey for different reasons and have learned something from each of them. I have been in a supervisory role for most of my time in the security industry and have thoroughly enjoyed training and upskilling officers that I have worked with and watching them become the best version of themselves they can be. Every assignment has had its challenges and its rewards and knowing I help to make a difference is the biggest reward in itself.”
Claire Mary Savige – Supervisor, SA
“My favourite role is definitely my current role of Supervisor. I’ve been a Supervisor for almost four years now and have enjoyed every day of it. I'm very lucky to manage an amazing team and have the support of my manager. Becoming a Supervisor with Wilson Security has been a rollercoaster at times, but I find that as I have learnt more about the industry I have also learnt more about myself. There is a role for everyone. I feel that regardless of gender a career in the security industry can be extremely rewarding.”
Helen Papagiannopoulos – Security Officer/Control Room Operator, VIC
“I have been in the security industry for 23 years, starting at a time when it was extremely male dominated. For example, I worked at a site that only had one toilet. The site had 50 males and one female. Females are now considered for positions whereas in the past these positions would have been deemed as to dangerous. I feel the industry’s leaders need to be more open to giving female team members advancement opportunities. Once there is a sense of value placed on your role in the industry, I feel females will be more open to seeking higher qualification and advancement.”
Iosha Clements – Supervisor, WA
“I have been working in the security industry for three years. After completing my Certificate II in Security Operations. My favourite role so far has been working as a Supervisor for Wilson Security with our transport client. I really enjoy every shift. Something new happens every day and I work with a really good team with a lot of support from Wilson Security’s management.
There is a lot of support out there for women in security, and a lot of various levels within the industry for women who want to get into a security field that is hands on and physical. I encourage them to take advantage of all the training and support that is available.”
Kaylene Baker - Rehabilitation & Return to Work Advisor, VIC
“I have been working in the security industry for about seven years. My current role as Rehabilitation & Return to Work Advisor is my absolute favourite. I work with the most amazing team and provide support to our employees to ensure they are always cared for. I have worked since I was 17. My previous roles have included customer service, administration, Return-to-Work, and occupational health, safety and environmental management. Overall, the most rewarding is my current role as I am able to support injured workers. Injuries impact families not just individuals. “
Rasha Salama – Security Officer, NSW
“I have been working as a Security Officer for more than ten years after looking after my three boys. I chose this industry as my strengths lie in customer service and, again, that customer service aspect of the role is what drives me, especially in helping students in the library at Macquarie University. The biggest challenge for me has been trying to be more patient and develop more skills around dealing with difficult or stressful situations, such as aggressive individuals or remaining calm during a medical emergency. “
Rebecca Jansen – Operations Manager, WA
“I started my career in human resources and worked across several different industries. I entered the security industry as a Human Resources Manager and then moved across to an operations role.
Balancing work and family can be challenging. As an Operations Manager there are times when out-of-hours commitments are required. When travelling for work and being away from home, it can be very challenging to keep everything on track. Working for a company like Wilson Security, which supports their employees in this area, does make things easier to manage.”
Shaneen Bobbert – Security Guard, QLD
“I worked in aged care for 27 years. As a proud Aboriginal woman, I felt that I needed to help and keep our people safe within the community. I achieved all my set goals within aged care and felt a duty to work with Townsville’s youth. I am proud to assist our community through this industry.
Albeit I have only been in the security industry a very short time, but I love the interaction with people of the community. It’s rewarding to help people of all backgrounds and be part of developing a safer place for everyone. “
Sky Snowie – Shift Supervisor, ACT
“I have been working in the security industry for just over six years following ten years as an aluminium fabricator. Friends in the industry encouraged me to consider it as an option. Definitely my current role at RMC Duntroon for Wilson Security has been my favourite role thanks to the opportunities it offers. “
Kym Brumby – Operations Manager, QLD
“My favourite roles have incorporated strategic thinking – where I can help put plans in place to guide and assist clients or even different functional areas within businesses that make a positive impact on the outcomes/goals to be achieved. A big challenge has been understanding that change takes time, but to stay then course and change will come. The landscape of security is changing from what it was and women can use their skills and strengths to forge important pathways in security, especially where my background is within corporate real estate. “
Kara Pendergast – Site Supervisor, QLD
“We have a veterinary clinic and school on site with medical research buildings training doctors and dentists. There are marine research facilities as well as science and engineering schools so we are exposed to many different areas to manage, both day and night. There are 1,500 students currently staying on site, two childcare centers and a school. We are constantly problem solving and no two days are ever the same. The challenges of working in an ever-evolving environment are brilliant. Any time I want to see something different I have many places to choose from, but my favourite is Billy the crocodile.
We have one of the highest numbers of female guards and indigenous crew members on any site. It’s taken me a while to step into my power and feel confident as a supervisor, but thankfully I had a great female role model to help me along.”
Kathleen Skinner - Gatehouse Operator, WA
“My favourite role so far has been the one I’m working in now as I really enjoy it. This is the only security role I have worked in before. It seems like an industry that everyone should get into. It’s reassuring to have more women in the industry for some people.”
Felishia Stone – Security Guard, NSW
“The Making Tracks program was terrific in that it helped seven of us women into the security industry. Our trainer Tony was so good, he helped us all feel appreciated and heard. The course was focused on customer service, and there was a lot of talk about how Wilson Security want to change the face of security by making the guards the experts in customer service and be there to help the community. I think Wilson Security is doing a great job in making us women comfortable in this industry. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done, except for my kids.”
Shahni Anderson – Greeter, NSW
“Like Adam said to us from the start of the Making Tracks program, we need to change the mindset of what security is. We aren’t bouncers in this company, we need to show that we are well spoken, educated in the roles and there to share our knowledge. We have a great chance to show the wider community who we are not just as women but proud Indigenous, Cultural Women. I want to showcase how great we are. “
Carlie Luke - Administration Officer, SA
“Yes, I think more women should consider a career in security. The security industry is generally recognised as a male-dominated field of work, but I have seen this start to change over the last few years, with more women entering the industry and applying and being hired for security officer positions.
I think women bring with them a different approach to the industry regarding conflict management and their ability to use effective communication to help diffuse heightened situations before any physical aggression becomes an issue. Also, I think women display a level of empathy and understanding that can help de-escalate situations. It is a very rewarding job and you will meet so many different people. Women should consider a career in security as there are so many opportunities to grow and develop in the industry and to also move into different roles, sites, or positions. From my experience women also develop great friendships and have a lot of fun. “
Robyn Disher – Security Officer/Control Room Operator, VIC
“When it comes to attracting more women to the security industry, I do think the industry has changed from just a physical presence role. A high percentage of our role is using our voice to achieve objectives. I think the marketing of the industry could be better represented to align with today’s market views and general customer requirements, knowing this has the potential to attract more people to the security industry.”
