Women's skills in conflict resolution are leading to a surge in females entering security businesses, a leading company claims.
Women now make up the majority of management positions, including event supervisor roles, at Dublin firm Integrity Security.
Its event security manager, Sharon O'Neill, insists women's strong ability to resolve conflicts is now changing the dynamic of a traditionally male-dominated sector.
"When someone mentions a security guard, many people picture an old-school bouncer - a big, tall, burly bloke standing by a door with his arms crossed," said Ms O'Neill, who manages high-profile events such as Taste Of Dublin and Gifted in the capital.
"While this might have been the case 20 or so years ago, security companies are now seeking approachable, friendly and well-presented officers with advanced conflict resolution skills. The industry is diversifying, and the need for female officers is growing."
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When Integrity Security is working at full capacity, almost a third of the 750 people it employs are female.
Simona Kotoviciute-Mungla, operations and roster manager at Integrity, said while she never thought she would join the sector, it is rife with opportunity.
"I never imagined I would work in the security industry, but I doubt I would have risen through the ranks as quickly as I did if I had worked in another field," she said.
"The security industry is growing more quickly than many other sectors, and that means that there are great opportunities to succeed if you work hard and stay the course."
The 2023-2025 Strategic Plan of the Private Security Authority, published in January and endorsed by Justice Minister Simon Harris, includes a promise to examine ways to increase female participation in the business.
Integrity Security chief Pat Byrne said the "outdated, men-only perception" of what security work involves is being challenged.
"We have found many women arriving at the top of the list at the end of a recruitment process," said Mr Byrne. "They bring a very different perspective, particularly as supervisors and on-the-ground security staff."
Image: Simona Kotoviciute-Mungla and Sharon O'Neill of Integrity Security
