THE SPOTLIGHT TRAINING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE PROTECTORS

Women in protection can be a broad category encompassing female security officers, executive and personal protection professionals, bodyguards, and corporate security professionals.

This industry has been predominantly male-dominated, with women in the industry having been traditionally something of an anomaly. However, it is clear the need for women in the security field has been on the rise. In 2017 Chinese billionaire Xiao Jianhua, a Chinese Canadian businessman, decided to hire an all-female

bodyguard team. Going back further to the 1980s, Mu’ammar Gaddafi had established an all-female bodyguard team; however, many questioned his true objectives in doing so. Time has led to more acceptance, and now there is even a company that caters specifically to families with children, known as NannyGuards.

According to the Department of Labor, the top 10 occupations employing women as of 2018 were schools, nursing, retail, and sales; however, there is no mention of women in security or women in protection. This puts women in a unique and advantageous position to specialize in executive protection and personal protection. This is the perfect time to cultivate confidence in women who aspire to start a career in protection and elevate those already in the industry.

Women must do their part by learning how to market themselves in a professional and progressive manner. The problem is not a shortage of women in protection. There are entire networks of women in protection at different levels, with broad skill sets encompassing both hard and soft skills. The challenge has more to do with the number of women who can perform at a high tactical level while still utilizing their soft skills. Women

typically do not showcase their abilities on social media or to their male counterparts for the mere purposes of showing they have the skills required to perform. Women tend to be more conservative and methodical. A Harvard Business Review published “Why Don’t Women Self-Promote As Much As Men" in 2019 by Christine Exley and Judd Kessler. The report states a significant gender gap in selfpromotion, with men rating their performance at 33% higher than equally performing women. The factors that influence someone to self-promote has a lot to do with self-image, confidence, and strategic incentives. Women in protection tend to lack confidence in their abilities or do not want to be in the spotlight with all eyes on them. Women tend to fear they may fail in the presence of their male counterparts, which is hugely detrimental to growth or advancement in the industry. In essence, that self-promotion could potentially lead to future job and pay opportunities.

Dr Leonard C. Holifield is the president and founder of The Phalanx Training Academy, the International Academy of Executive Protection Agents, and the Sikaron Karate Federation. He has an impressive background

with a combined 30 years of law enforcement, military, and executive protection to include 50 years of martial arts training. Dr Holifield has trained several women to create an all-female executive protection team named Onna Bugeisha. Going back to 200 AD in Japan, “Onna Bugeisha" literally means "Woman Warrior" trained in martial arts. These women fought alongside the samurai to defend their homes, families, and honor.

He believes that women have an innate ability to sense dangerous situations and have the gift of discernment and premonition. With the backgrounds of the protectors consisting of law enforcement, military, security, physical fitness, and investigations.

When asked why they got involved with the program, one woman said that due to her past brush with being victimized, she decided she would take on a more direct approach and become a protector rather than being the protected. Another woman and a close friend agreed that together they would take the course. One of them is a reserve police officer, and her friend is in martial arts. Another woman is from Europe, and although all the women train in Georgia, where Going back to 200 AD in Japan, “Onna Bugeisha” literally means “Woman Warrior” and were trained in martial arts. These women fought alongside the samurai to defend their homes, families, and honor.

The Phalanx Training Academy is headquartered, the women have worked assignments throughout the southeast.

The women were also asked what advice they would give to other women interested in pursuing a career in protection. The primary response was echoed by most of the women 1. Do the research, 2. Know what you are getting into, and 3. Be prepared to be away from family. Another woman stated, “Do the research because it is not for everyone, and you want to make sure you know exactly what you are getting into.” The Onna Bugeisha clearly love what they do and are confident in their abilities. This team of women are ready to impact the greater security world at large, showcasing their abilities to new potential clients. All women in protection should feel confident that this is their time and feel comfortable promoting their skills and experience to the same degree as their male counterparts. Understanding that women can change both the optics and the dynamics of a security team, they can blend into the environment and remain hidden assets embedded in plain sight.

Mónica Duperon Rodriguez has over 30 years of combined law enforcement, close protection, and global event security management experience. She has worked Anti-Human Trafficking/Sex Trafficking, AntiPoaching efforts, Gangs, SWAT Hostage Negotiator, Undercover Narcotics Detective, and Police Training throughout Africa, South America, Mexico, United States, Canada and Europe. Monica is currently the Americas Safety and Security Manager to include head of Global Events Security for a tech company in Silicon Valley.