The security industry is shifting. More women are stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men. One key area seeing this shift is door supervision, where diversity is on the rise. With a growing number of women becoming licensed door supervisors, the industry is moving towards a more balanced future.
But how far have we come, and what do the latest stats tell us about gender diversity in security? Let’s break it down.
More Women in Security – A Step Forward
In recent years, more women have joined the ranks of SIA-licensed door supervisors. This change reflects a wider shift towards gender diversity in the security industry.
Female SIA Licence Holders: 2024 Statistics
As of August 2024, the number of female SIA licence holders reached 100,000. That’s a notable increase of 5,000 compared to the previous year. While this may seem like a small step, it’s a clear sign of progress. Women now make up 20% of the door supervisors, with 50,000 female supervisors in 2024.
How Does That Compare to Men?
Despite this progress, men still dominate the field. Out of 500,000 total licence holders, 400,000 are men. In door supervision alone, men hold 250,000 licences, while women hold 50,000. Yes, the gap is significant, but women are steadily moving in.
Why Gender Diversity Matters in Security
Female security professionals bring fresh perspectives to the table. Many excel at communication and resolving conflicts—key skills that are crucial in security roles. Plus, having more women on the security team often creates a balanced and effective working environment.
A diverse team isn’t just fairer—it’s often more effective, offering a broader range of strengths and approaches that can make all the difference in maintaining safety and security.
Industry Growth from 2023 to 2024
Overall, the security industry saw growth from 2023 to 2024. The number of male licence holders increased by 10,000, while female licence holders rose by 5,000. Door supervision, which makes up 74% of all SIA licences, continues to dominate the sector.
Still a Long Way to Go
While the numbers are moving in the right direction, women still represent only about 10.89% of the total SIA licence holders. Clearly, more initiatives are needed to attract women in security, including targeted training and awareness programmes.
Final Thoughts
There’s still a long way to go in achieving gender diversity in security. With more support, training, and awareness, this can change. Let’s keep the momentum going.
If you’re considering a career in security, now is a great time to get involved! At Get Licensed, our door supervisor training course is SIA-approved and designed to help you get qualified quickly and easily.
Ready to take the next step? Book your door supervisor course today and start your journey!
