High Angle Guard Woman Watching Area

In a world where stereotypes limit opportunities, women redefine their roles in various professions. Close protection is one area experiencing significant change. 

Traditionally, close protection has been male-dominated. Security expert Hussein Nasser-Eddin revealed that, in England and Wales, the percentage of female security professionals was nine percent in 2015 and only slightly increased to 10.1 percent in 2021.

The image has been that of a strong and unemotional man protecting high-profile clients. But, this stereotype is gradually changing to a more inclusive and diverse perspective. 

Women are breaking barriers in the close protection industry, proving gender should not limit success. The ongoing transformation in this field heralds a positive shift towards a more inclusive and equal society where gender stereotypes do not bind professional opportunities. 

Creating an inclusive and respectful workplace is crucial. A significant step towards achieving this is by involving women in close protection roles. This means valuing everyone’s contributions, regardless of their gender. To address strong gender biases, organisations, coworkers, and clients should actively support diversity and gender equality.

Unique qualities of female bodyguards

Female bodyguards bring unique qualities to the job. They can often prevent conflicts and violence with their presence, and their attentiveness and organisational skills help them stay sharp.

Here are some observations based on working with female colleagues for over 25 years, according to security and risk management expert Sean Colsey.

1. Establishing clear professional boundaries: Female close protection operators set clear professional boundaries with male colleagues. They communicate their expectations for professional behaviour, maintaining a focus on a respectful working relationship.
2. Maintaining professionalism: These women consistently uphold professionalism, refraining from engaging in conversations or behaviours that could be seen as inappropriate or compromising. They stay focused on their tasks, maintaining a strictly professional approach.
3. Reporting inappropriate behaviour: If a female bodyguard experiences or witnesses inappropriate behaviour from male colleagues that could harm their professional relationship, they promptly report it to supervisors or authorities. Addressing such issues in a timely manner helps maintain a safe and respectful work environment.
4. Building a support network: Female close protection specialists create a strong support network within their organisations or among male and female trusted colleagues. This network offers guidance and assistance in compromising situations, providing valuable advice and support.
5. Continuous professional development: These women invest in ongoing professional development and training to enhance their skills and knowledge. This improves their competence and provides opportunities to network with fellow professionals and gain recognition for their expertise.
6. Prioritising personal safety and instincts: They pay special attention to personal safety and instincts. If a situation feels uncomfortable or risky, these women trust their instincts and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. Their commitment to personal well-being and security is unwavering.

While presently there are only a few women in the security industry percentage-wise, more women, especially those leaving the armed forces or the police, are considering becoming female bodyguards.

These bodyguards play an important role, as big and burly bodyguards can attract too much attention and consequently be too conspicuous in certain situations. In contrast, female bodyguards can blend into the surroundings and appear as personal assistants or friends, which may be preferable for clients who prefer to travel while keeping a low profile.

There is also the fact that in some countries or regions like the Middle East, male bodyguards are not allowed to protect female clients, so female bodyguards are preferred for women’s safety.