By Natacha Torres, HID
As a woman who has spent over 10 years in the B2B tech space, I’ve witnessed a shift in the industry – an evolution that started long before my career began. While we’ve made progress, the road ahead remains long, as still today, women currently make up about a quarter of the physical security workforce, with only 31% holding leadership positions. It’s clear: a gender gap persists.
Yet, the challenges we face in security are incredibly diverse, requiring a broad range of perspectives to tackle them effectively. At its core, security is about protecting people and there is no one-size fits all solution. Organizations, facilities and user groups have unique requirements that demand tailored approaches. This fundamental principle makes diversity not only valuable, but essential.
Why Diverse Perspectives Matter
When we bring together different viewpoints and experiences – whether in research, development, or implementation – we create more comprehensive and effective security solutions. Despite this, men still significantly outnumber women in the industry.
Why? It’s not due to a lack of interest or capability—far from it. Instead, visibility, opportunity and stereotypes remain key barriers. Structural challenges and biases that have existed for decades continue to limit entry and career growth for women in security. And, the reality is, it’s also not an issue that is isolated to women; these challenges and bias hinder the progress of diversity overall.
However, it does excite me to see that there is the growing recognition and belief that diversity isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s a business imperative. A more diverse workforce leads to better solutions, stronger teams, and greater industry success.
The Power of Community
One of the most encouraging developments I’ve observed is the industry’s commitment to creating supportive professional communities. Organisations like the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ASIS International have launched initiatives and networking platforms that foster connection, mentorship and career growth. The annual Security LeadHER Conference has become a cornerstone event for professional development and networking. Being recognized as a 2025 ’25 on the Rise’ recipient reinforced the power of celebrating emerging talent in security—especially when the cohort reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Beyond structured industry initiatives, fostering an inclusive environment requires a commitment to fairness, inclusion and equity within our workplaces. True progress is not just about creating opportunities but ensuring that these opportunities are accessible and meaningful to everyone. I am fortunate to work with a team that understands the importance of these values—where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but championed. I feel empowered and supported in my growth, which, in turn, motivates me to contribute to a culture where fairness and inclusion are the norm, fostering opportunities for everyone in the industry.
At HID, we are actively working to embed these values into our culture. We’ve not only established internal communities such as HID WIN (Women’s Initiative Network) to advocate for these principles, but earlier this month I was honoured to support in the organisation of a ‘Women in Security, Security for Women’ event in Paris. This was a perfect example of how we’re creating spaces for meaningful discussions. The event highlighted the importance of safety in both professional and personal spaces, reinforcing that these are not just industry issues but global ones. Violence, prejudice and discrimination persist worldwide, and it’s our collective responsibility to raise awareness and drive action.
Creating Tomorrow’s Security Industry
Looking ahead, I see tremendous potential for women in security. To realise this potential, industry leaders must continue investing in professional development, mentorship programs and flexible work arrangements that support work-life integration. Some key areas of focus include:
- Creating meaningful opportunities for leadership and growth through targeted professional development programs and clear career advancement paths
- Building strong communities that provide support, recognition and a sense of belonging
- Developing mentorship programs that connect experienced professionals with emerging talent
- Maintaining workplace flexibility that allows professionals to balance personal and professional commitments
For women considering or currently working in security, my advice is simple: embrace the opportunities ahead. Build your expertise, find your voice, and connect with those who will champion your growth. Your unique perspective is not just valuable—it’s needed.