Lessons from Securex South Africa 2024
Breaking the Bias in Security
The security industry is famously synonymous with the definition “male-dominated.” With more conversations around gender bias and inclusivity, companies have since made strides in hiring and promoting more women.
One such company is Bob Morgan Security Limited, with an impressive percentage of women trailblazers in leadership roles, stemming from the culture and values built by the Managing Director Cedar Morgan, who is the matriarch of the company taking over running operations in the early nineties and to date is the chair of the organization.
Bob Morgan Systems founded in 2003 is the technology arm of BM Security specializing in Electronic Security Solutions ranging from Alarm Monitoring and Response Services , CCTV surveillance, Access Control, Fire Detection and Integrated Security Solutions. Led by Michelle Morgan, daughter to Cedar Morgan, breaking the bias and empowering women is part and parcel of the company and its core values.
The next generation of women in security
At every level of the organization women play a key role in service delivery and safeguarding our clients.
Edith Barasa effortlessly embodies what it means to be a controller and what it means to be in control.
There is much that needs to be done to obtain a more equitable gender balance in the field of security risk management. The groundwork has been laid for an improved approach within the sector, thanks to the efforts of those women who are working within security, even in trying times. Men within the industry have also welcomed and encouraged the greater participation of women.
Was there someone along the way who encouraged or influenced your path?
Reaping the rewards
On the front of emergency response services is Ruth Kerubo a female alarm response crew who represents the tenacity of women breaking the bias, and excelling.
Like in other industries, women joining a male-dominated are subjected to barriers and biases.
Overcoming a challenging moment
One colleague recalls the challenge of not starting at the same level or with the same respect as male counterparts, but with time her contributions were appreciated by her male colleagues.
Tides are changing
Efforts are underway to move away from ‘gender-oriented’ work to placing greater value on contributions. As one of our few ladies serving as a crew in response puts it:
The Future is Now for Women in Security
International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to recognize a few of BM Security’s many devoted, hard-working, and high-achieving women, and to encourage other women to join us in the security industry. However, to realize full representation of women in the field — and all the benefits that will come with that equal representation — we need to tell our stories and share our encouragement.