Women in Close Protection

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

During a conversation with Hussein Nasser Eddin, a security expert and CEO of Crownox, a company specializing in risk mitigation solutions, he shed light on his perspective regarding the significance of female CPOs in the contemporary world.

Crownox originated in the Middle East and Africa and has steadily expanded its operations to encompass a global reach. The driving force behind the swiftly expanding operations of the prominent security firm is its management team, comprising 80% female professionals. It’s noteworthy as well that over 50% of the company’s clients, who are notable high-net-worth individuals and celebrities, are esteemed women from both the business and entertainment worlds.

“When examining recent gender statistics within the realm of close protection, it becomes evident that this sector remains primarily male-dominated. Let’s take a look at the percentage of women working in security professions in England and Wales: In 2015, it was merely 9%. Over the course of six years, by 2021, this figure had experienced only a marginal increase to 10.1%.

A poll was conducted by us on our Crownox LinkedIn page asking: In your opinion, what are the primary obstacles that female close protection officers encounter?

The poll garnered responses from 57 individuals, resulting in the following data:

Notably, it is intriguing that none of the female respondents selected the option “Managing Physical Threats.” This observation highlights the disparity between the male and female perceptions regarding the potential challenges women might encounter prior to or upon entering this profession. Among the female participants in the survey, the majority identified 

“Male-dominated Industry” and “Stereotypes and Social Stigmas” as the primary hurdles. These findings serve as a notable insight for male professionals within the industry, emphasizing the need to foster a more inclusive environment that welcomes and accommodates women in this field.”

Q. Why Is There Such a Large Gender Gap in Physical Protection?

A. “There are numerous factors that come into play:

1. The industry’s male-dominated image can discourage women from contemplating this career, given the potentially more favorable job prospects that their male peers might enjoy. Considering the industry’s historical context, which has traditionally seen a majority of male applicants, job requirements for Close Protection Officers (CPOs) sometimes even include physical attributes commonly associated with men, such as height and weight. Regrettably, these requirements may not consider the average measurements of female candidates.
2. Opting for a career in Close Protection can be accompanied by certain social stigmas. This includes a prevailing perception that this role is “strange” for females, primarily because individuals unfamiliar with the industry may rarely encounter females occupying these positions. Additionally, the job’s association with masculinity can lead to the unjust characterization of female security professionals as either ‘masculine’ or ‘lacking in femininity.’ Such misapplied labels have the potential to dissuade women, particularly those originating from traditional societies, from exploring this career path.
3. The gender gap could also be influenced by work-related travel. It might be conventionally perceived as acceptable for male CPOs to undertake tasks that require leaving their families behind for travel, whereas the same might be regarded as socially unconventional for female CPOs. Nevertheless, this perception began shifting towards normalization when women, including mothers, served in the U.S. Army during the Gulf War, setting a precedent that gradually extended to other nations.”

Q. Why Are Women Needed in Security?

A. “On a positive note, there is a growing demand for females in the realm of physical protection. Numerous clients are now indicating their preference for female CPOs, and some are even specifically requesting female CPOs for various operations.

• The close protection industry extends beyond mere physical strength (which women certainly possess). It requires the capability to swiftly evaluate and mitigate risks, skillful communication for de-escalation when required, and unwavering commitment to ensuring the client’s safety and security. Elevated testosterone levels in men can sometimes contribute to escalated situations, whereas women, often by nature, have a tendency to defuse such scenarios through adept problem-solving skills.
• A positive aspect of gender distinctions in society is that female CPOs are less likely to encounter physical aggression from male threats. This stems from the widely ingrained societal norm that condemns men for causing physical harm to women, irrespective of cultural background. Consequently, the probability of situations escalating into physical violence is diminished.
• Female CPOs possess the added benefit of accessing spaces alongside their female clients where male counterparts might encounter suspicion or restriction—areas like dressing rooms and restrooms designated for women, a female principal’s hotel room, or those belonging to the principal’s children. Women CPOs can seamlessly assimilate within these settings, whereas male CPOs would attract noticeable attention.
• Moreover, certain religious beliefs and conservative cultural norms prohibit women from being in private settings with men who are not part of their immediate family. Consequently, in such situations, having a female CPO becomes an imperative rather than a mere preference.

If you are a woman interested in pursuing a career as a CPO, now is a great time to start. The demand for women in this field is increasing, and it can be a rewarding profession where you can utilize your skills to ensure safety and even save lives”.