Celebrating change on International Women’s Day

Women in Security Enterprise (WISE UK) discusses the power of connection and collaboration following its International Women’s Day celebration.

The Women in Security Network

On Thursday, 5th of March, more than 180 women gathered at The Old Library in Digbeth for an inspiring International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Women in Security Network, powered by WISE UK.

Liz Lloyd, Emma Harris and Sarah Jane Cork, the organisers and owners of WISE UK, planned every detail of the event that brought together professionals from across the security sector to celebrate women’s achievements, share experiences and raise over £5K for Women’s Aid in Luton to support Women and Children in refuge.

This year’s theme centred on the power of connection – how shared stories, lived experiences and collective action can drive meaningful change across the security industry.

Bringing the tables to life

We are delighted to hear from Jolene Taylor, Fiona Hotton, Brenda Koesterman, Natacha Torres, Colleen Harris, Helen Clayton, Chantal Anabtawi, Sophie Malone, Therese Hume, Karen Alexander, Hayley Elvins, Cora Lynne Heifer Rathbone, Emma Brown, Lauren Bettington, Lisa O’Flynn and Gaby Price.

Exploring the societal challenges shaping our communities, each table host turned their space into a lively hub of energy, insight and teamwork.

Using our WISE UK icebreaker packs, they moved beyond presenting and sparked open conversations, transforming data into human stories and challenges into practical ideas.

Discussions spanned cyber-resilience, physical security, governance, risk, compliance, intelligence, privacy, menopause, childcare, careers, the role of security, inequality, violence against women and girls, the gender pay gap, limited representation in leadership and the human side of safety.

Speakers shared the table conversation through personal journeys – often nonlinear and unexpected – into the world of security, showing that inclusion is not just about having a seat at the table but about shaping and expanding that table so others can join.

The message was clear: Women are not only participating in the conversation – they are designing the systems, leading the change and redefining what security leadership looks like.

Naming the challenges in our communities

The event also created space to confront the barriers that persist across the sector and society:

• Underrepresentation in security roles and leadership positions
• Bias and stereotypes about who “belongs” in security-focused careers
• Unequal access to education, mentorship and sponsorship, particularly for women and girls in under-resourced communities
• Workplace cultures that undervalue diverse perspectives or the “soft skills” essential for trust
  and collaboration
• Safety and security disparities that affect communities differently

By naming these challenges, participants refused to normalise them. Instead, they recognised them as systemic issues requiring collective, sustained solutions.

Harnessing Strength Together

The most powerful takeaway from the day was the sense of shared strength and solidarity.

Every story told reinforced a simple truth: No one succeeds alone. Behind every achievement stands a network of mentors, allies, families and colleagues who uplift and empower.

Throughout the event, participants demonstrated that:

• Listening is a form of leadership
• Sharing knowledge is a form of empowerment
• Creating space for new voices is a form of security

The celebration was not just about individual success – it was about the collective momentum that
emerges when those successes intersect and form a movement.

Creating opportunity to drive real change

The conversations were not abstract – they were directional and actionable. Participants explored
how to:

• Design mentorship, sponsorship and allyship programmes that are intentional and measurable
• Influence policy, organisational culture and technology through an equity and inclusion lens
• Translate the day’s energy into tangible outcomes, such as internships, training, community
  initiatives and leadership opportunities
• Build clear pathways for women and other underrepresented groups to enter and grow in the
  security world. This includes training for women in refuge to help them gain their licence and step
  into an industry where only a small number of women currently work. The network’s female‑led
  partners, including Tiger Events with Louise Walker and CYS Security with Claire Shrosbree and
  Julie Knight, are creating safe learning spaces and offering support with CVs, applications and
  finding the right roles – ensuring every step of the journey is strengthened

Real change in security happens when people leave events like this with commitments – to open
doors, make introductions, challenge bias and lead differently.

A celebration with purpose

The Women in Security Network’s International Women’s Day event was more than a celebration – it was a catalyst for progress.

By raising funds for Women’s Aid in Luton, the network extended its impact beyond the industry, supporting women facing some of the toughest challenges in society.

The amazing raffle and auction, in which each guest brought a gift to support the theme “Give to Gain,” provided the best opportunity to raise as much money as possible.

A signed boxing glove by Tyson Fury was gifted by Iain McCallister from Man Commercial.

As the day closed, one message resonated across the room: The future of security is inclusive, collaborative and built by those who believe in the power of shared purpose.

Sponsors and Charity Partner

Elevation training, CDVI, Convergint, HID, The Portmarnock Group, Ocular, Zinc Systems, Oncam, Sitewatch Group, Sloane Risk Group, Rathbone Results, Opus Apeiro, British Security Industry Association, Abbloy UK, Securitas sponsored the selfie board.

Our Charity Partner, Women’s Aid in Luton, received over £5K from this event, bringing the total raised by the Women in Security network to £ 13 K over the past three years.

Women in Security Network, powered by WISE UK – building stronger, safer and more equitable futures together.