Women in Canadian Security: Careers, Challenges & Opportunities
- Tip of Spear Team
- Jul 25
- 7 min read
The security sector, which includes everything from frontline security guards to cybersecurity experts and defense professionals, plays a vital role in ensuring safety, national security, and public trust across the country. In recent years, the presence of women within the Canadian security industry has been growing steadily, marking a
significant shift in one of Canada’s most critical and traditionally male-dominated sectors.
This positive change is driven in part by increased awareness of the importance of gender diversity and inclusion, as well as national initiatives such as Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. These efforts emphasize empowering women and promoting gender equality within the security field, which is crucial for fostering innovation, improving workplace culture, and strengthening Canada’s leadership on the international security stage.
As the industry progresses, more women are stepping into roles at every level, from emerging leaders in security companies and government agencies, to senior management positions in defense and cybersecurity. This shift not only reflects changing societal attitudes but also highlights the growing opportunities and career paths available to women in the Canadian security industry.
According to Alberta labour data, women now make up 27% of security guard roles, showing steady growth over the past two decades. Across Canada, women's representation in security moved from around 20% in the mid-1990s to more than one in five today, although it remains a male-dominated field. This highlights not only the growing demand for female talent, but also the importance of inclusive, empowering training environments like Tip of Spear.
At Tip of Spear, we've seen firsthand how women are stepping confidently into a wide range of roles in the security industry. Our Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) classroom instructor is a highly experienced woman who brings real-world knowledge and leadership to every class, serving as a strong role model for the next generation of guards.
We're proud to support women pursuing career in frontline security, private investigation, Peace Officer roles, and more. From hands-on PPCT handcuffing and baton certification, to Tactical Communications, to Krav Maga self-defence- we offer practical and inclusive instruction designed to prepare students for challenges in the field. Whether someone's goal is community safety, law enforcement, or personal growth, our programs are helping open doors and and build confidence every step of the way!
Historical Challenges and Gender Inequality in Canada's Security Industry
Despite the encouraging rise of women in Canadian security, the sector has long been characterized by significant gender inequality and systemic barriers. Historically, security work, including roles in the Canadian Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and private security firms, has been dominated by men. This has led to an “old boys’ network” culture where women often faced limited access to career advancement, exclusion from key decision-making roles, and workplace environments that were not always welcoming or inclusive.
For decades, women working in security encountered challenges such as lack of mentorship and stereotyping about their capabilities. The sector’s traditionally male-centric focus often resulted in workplaces that were not equipped to address the safety and wellbeing needs of female security professionals. As a result, many talented women were discouraged from entering or staying in security careers.
According to Canadian workplace safety data, 65% of security guards have reported verbal or physical threats on the job. On top of that, women in frontline roles are twice as likely to experience harassment or intimidation during shifts. We offer a wide array of advanced training and self-defence courses that emphasize reality-based scenarios, awareness, first aid, and de-escalation skills and that help keep you safe on the job.
Gender inequality in the security industry is also reflected in the representation gap at senior management and leadership levels. While women have made strides as frontline security guards and in support roles, their presence in leadership positions within defence and security companies, cybersecurity firms, and government agencies remains disproportionately low.
This lack of gender parity has limited the diversity of perspectives needed to effectively address complex security issues and has slowed progress towards a more inclusive sector.
Moreover, the nature of security work itself, which often involves shift work, high-stress situations, and physical demands, has historically been seen as less compatible with women’s participation, reinforcing outdated assumptions about gender roles. However, these perceptions are rapidly changing, driven by growing recognition that women bring essential skills, perspectives, and leadership qualities to the security field.
Efforts to combat these challenges are increasingly visible through national policies and international commitments. Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security promotes the integration of gender perspectives into all areas of security and defence.
Initiatives aimed at raising awareness, increasing recruitment of women, and fostering empowerment through training and mentorship are helping to dismantle barriers and open new doors.
Despite progress, much work remains to achieve true gender equality and diversity in the security sector. Addressing ongoing issues such as pay gaps, harassment, and workplace culture will be critical to ensuring that women can fully contribute to and thrive within the Canadian security industry.
While more women are entering security roles, they remain underrepresented both in entry-level and leadership roles. At Tip of Spear, we aim to change that by building foundational skills that empower women to grow into confident decision makers in any environment!
Opportunities for Women in the Canadian Security Industry
As awareness around gender diversity and inclusion grows, so too do the opportunities for women to build rewarding careers within Canada’s security industry. Today, women are increasingly represented across various corners of the security sector, from frontline roles in guard companies to specialized fields like cybersecurity and national defence.
Women are making important inroads in traditional security roles such as those within the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. These institutions have launched targeted recruitment campaigns and developed mentorship and leadership programs specifically designed to support women’s advancement. The increasing presence of women in these roles challenges long-standing stereotypes and helps build a more diverse and resilient national security workforce.
Private security companies across Canada, from British Columbia to Ontario and Alberta, are also recognizing the value of gender diversity. Many firms now offer approved security guard training courses tailored to attract and retain female candidates, providing essential skills and certifications required to obtain a security guard licence or security licence in various provinces. This focus on inclusion not only broadens the talent pool but also enhances the quality of security services delivered to the public.
In addition, Canadian universities and colleges have expanded programs and research focused on women in security, offering courses that cover topics from defence and peacekeeping to cybersecurity and international security policy. These academic initiatives help prepare the next generation of women leaders by providing the knowledge and networks necessary to succeed.
Events such as summits, webinars, and panel discussions serve as important platforms for sharing insights, raising awareness, and empowering women. These gatherings spotlight the accomplishments of successful women in the security community, discuss challenges such as gender inequality, and highlight pathways for career advancement.
Women in Canada’s security sector are well-positioned to seize emerging opportunities and help shape the future of security work nationally and globally.
The Impact of Women’s Leadership on Canada’s Security Industry
The growing presence of women in leadership roles within the Canadian security industry is having a significant impact on the sector’s culture, effectiveness, and innovation. Women leaders bring diverse perspectives and approaches that are critical to addressing the complex and evolving security challenges faced by Canada at the national and international levels.
Incorporating gender diversity into senior management enhances decision-making and fosters a more inclusive workplace environment. Women leaders in defence and security careers often emphasize collaboration, communication, and empathy: qualities that strengthen team cohesion and improve the safety and wellbeing of security personnel. This shift contributes to building greater trust between the public and security professionals, which is essential for effective national security and community safety.
Only 15-20% of management and leadership positions in the private sector are held by women. Meanwhile, studies have shown that companies with gender-diverse leadership see up to 21% higher profitability.
Events such as the Canadian Security Magazine’s panels, industry summits, and webinars continue to highlight the achievements of women leaders and facilitate knowledge sharing. These platforms raise awareness about ongoing gender disparities while celebrating progress and fostering a community of support.
As Canada moves forward, the empowerment and elevation of women within the security sector will be essential for building a more resilient, innovative, and equitable industry, and one that is better equipped to face the security challenges of today and tomorrow.
Train at Tip of Spear!
With thousands of security roles available in Alberta and strong job growth projections, the demand for well-trained professionals continues to rise, creating a real opportunity for women to enter the field with confidence.
Are you ready to get started in your new security career? Visit our ABST page for more information about the Alberta Basic Security Training course options, how to register, and learn more about working as a security professional in Alberta!
Already licenced, or thinking about professional development? Explore these advanced and tactical training courses to grow your career:
Learn more about Krav Maga self-defence here.
If you are interested in the Stay Away women's-only self-defence seminar, click here!
