Security Discussions: Diversity, Inclusion and Equality

In this series of articles, we’ll break down every panel discussion at the Security Middle East Conference 2024! Learn the highlights and moments that made the event such a ground-breaking success. 

The strongest security force will always be the one that represents inclusivity, equality and diversity, said our panellists, who were debating how powering inclusivity is key to driving the sector forward.

Our expert-level security insights came from the wonderful Hayley V. Loon, Deputy CEO, Crime Stoppers International and CEO, Magnolia Intelligence; Sumaiyah Alotaibi, Manager Security Operations, aramco; Uliana Barbysheva, Managing Partner, Event Concept Consultancy and our moderator Betania Allo, Cyber Law & Policy Expert, Ex-United Nations and NEOM.

Betania began by asking whether there is a lack of skills in the sector, or if there are untapped talent pools we’re overlooking when it comes to hiring women.
Hayley was swift on the answer, replying that the hiring pool needs to be broadened. She said: “We need to look outside of our usual hiring pools. We need to look at unusual areas and understand the transferable skills. For example, an emergency nurse. This nurse doesn’t know she has transferrable skills that are applicable to a physical security building evaluation.”

Sumaiyah added: “I’ve seen lots of women hired in roles that were typically for men. We’ve also developed women in roles previously occupied by men.
“The second element of our hiring is ensuring diversity in our training. We want to address people’s uniqueness. We address unconscious biases. We also monitor our strategy: are we actually reaching our targets?”

According to Sumaiyah in the US, 56% of the labour market is women and in the EU that figure stands at 64%. Acknowledging our predominately male audience at the conference, Betania said that, “championing inclusivity and challenging your company biases” are great ways that men can be allies to women and be excellent role models to the diversity cause.

Uliana added: “It’s a challenging topic. We have mostly males in these areas. But we have an interesting opportunity here. We see lots of women in security because there is a unique opportunity to shape a country’s image, promoting an interesting environment.”