Championing inclusion this International Women’s Day

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspiring Inclusivity. We hear it celebrated. We hear that it is vital to the success of any organisation. But what does ‘inclusion’ mean in 2024?

At Wilson Security, we seek to motivate individuals and teams to champion the cause of gender equality, underlining the necessity for unity, diversity and proactivity to support women's voices throughout the organisation.

In its 2023 State of Diversity Equity an Inclusion in Australian Workplaces report, the Australian HR Institute made the case for two central themes facing a more inclusive corporate environment:

1. There is a clear gap between employer awareness and their intent and action. 50% of HR professionals say that their leaders see Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) as a priority for their organisation. This is why it’s vital this IWD, we celebrate those who are inspiring inclusivity and encourage others to do the same.
2. DEI activity in Australian workplaces primarily focuses on gender, at the sacrifice of under-represented groups, such as those living with disability. On International Women’s Day, it’s important for us to investigate how ‘Inspiring Inclusivity’ goes beyond creating greater opportunities for women but how we can transform workplace culture to benefit all Australians.

Hearing from the women of Wilson Security

This IWD, let’s look at the many ways those within the Wilson Security family consider ‘inclusivity’ and what role it can play in creating a stronger future for not just those within the organisation but the communities it serves.

To recognise how this year’s theme of Inspiring Inclusivity is coming to life within Wilson Security, we're heading around the country again to learn from and celebrate the women working within our teams.

Abigail Hamilton, Site Supervisor – Cultural Precinct, SA

To me, ‘Inspire Inclusion’ means actively looking and supporting all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, physical appearance or how people identify. I see Wilson Security embodying this through initiatives such as the 'Making Tracks' program for Indigenous Australians, fostering an equal opportunity environment where employees feel valued. In a male-dominated work force, actively supporting women in security is not only paramount but fair and equitable. We shouldn’t have to “prove” ourselves; we should be treated respectfully.

Holly Foord, Security Officer – Local Council, QLD

Research expands on the importance and value of women in the security field, and yet despite this, women only make up 14% of the security workforce in Australia, which is way below average. Wilson Security has committed itself to the question of how it inspires inclusivity by establishing several programs. Through their core values, Wilson Security continues to highlight new opportunities for inclusiveness, and engagements such as the STRIVE Awards greatly acknowledge this. The organisation’s active participation and promotion of the #BreakTheBias initiative a couple of years ago was a great step forward in showing young girls and women that Wilson Security is an inclusive workplace.

A previous female manager in security once said that all opportunities and career paths that exist for men are also open to women in the security industry, so it’s just a matter of making those paths more visible to young girls and women.

Senta Huggins, Site Security Manager – Industrial Site, WA

‘Inspire Inclusion’ in every regard means equality to me. Equality ensures equal opportunity and fairness. Both men and women should be entitled to the same rights and privileges. I am a female and the Site Security Manager of a major Power Station. My direct line-manager and Operations Manager are both females. Wilson Security encourages growth and ascension of their personnel based on merit and performance. Sometimes a female is better suited to resolve an issue with other females, especially if it’s a female-related issue. The world is comprised of both males and females. Workforces tasked to manage this diversity must be diverse themselves.

‘Inspiring Inclusivity’ means education. Security companies should reach out to graduating students, planting these seeds. After university, marriage, children – any pathway – they may revisit the industry and step into the field with their unique background and skills. There’s opportunity for women in this industry and there’s also a vital need.

Kathleen Connolly, Security Officer - Emergency Services HQ, TAS

Security should make people feel secure and that can be expressed as easily as greeting people, remembering their names and their interests. Showing kindness in ways that hopefully makes someone think twice about how they treat others when the temptation to judge a book by its cover is so easy. Deescalating a situation is more achievable when you show you care about them, rather than judging them by their appearance or behaviour. A future where women of all backgrounds are present and appreciated in Security should be the goal. Breaking down the notion that security guards are intimidating males is happening slowly. Security should be about people feeling secure, not scared.

But inclusivity is all-encompassing. For instance, the Making Tracks program encourages Indigenous people to join the security industry. They all have different lived experiences, and their understanding of their cultures enables them to achieve positive results within their community. Change occurs when everyone’s experience contributes in a positive manner, rather than an outside group trying to impose their beliefs and ideas on them.

Linda Lay, Security Officer – Federal Government, NT

As a woman who was hired by a woman, I was given the opportunity to bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table. I believe Wilson security has made strides in promoting inclusion, however there is still much work to be done, with big challenges to face. Wilson Security provides training and education on diversity and inclusion and ensures all employees feel valued and respected. We’re offered mentorship and development opportunities to help advance within the company. By breaking down barriers, promoting education and training, and challenging stereotypes, we can create an environment where women feel not only welcomed but valued in the security industry.

Lisa Chappell, Security Officer - Utilities Office, VIC

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry, never have I been treated or felt less than any other person. Wilson Security hires people of all races, religions and sexuality. I have worked with many different women over my six years working with Wilson. It is important to realise that we are all human, we are all one. As women we stand together.

Samira Simon, Senior Security Officer - Library, NSW

Inclusivity is about affording dignity and respect through our actions and ‘Inspiring inclusivity’ is about creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued and respected. Inclusivity can take many forms. For instance, at Wilson Security, onsite ‘toolbox talks’ boost the morale of each team member and encourage us to learn more about the aspects of the job and to perform our roles up to standard. Through these talks, everyone feels valued and respected.

Recognising all experiences and suggestions from all team members creates an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute. And when women themselves feel inspired and included, there is a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

Christine Thornton, General Manager NSW

Inspire inclusion’ means to me the opportunity we have as working women to embrace and promote diversity in our teams and look for avenues to create empowerment for women. We certainly are a diverse employer who encourages diversity and I’m proud of the opportunities we provide women within our business. As a public facing service, we require a diverse group of employees; to adequately fulfil these roles, liaise with the general public and instil confidence and calm in pressured situations. There are many roles in which females can excel and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients and our client’s customers.

Zainab Al-Assadi, National Patrols Coordinator - VIC

For me, inspiring inclusion is all about embracing diversity and ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and empowered to contribute in their own way. At Wilson Security, we live by our values of care, integrity, accountability, and innovation, which extend to our commitment to inclusion. Through initiatives like our diversity and inclusion task force and employee resource groups, we foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Inclusion is important in the security industry because it builds trust with diverse communities, improves communication for safety, reduces bias and discrimination, encourages diverse perspectives, and enhances overall community safety and well-being.

 

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