Women in Security - Meet Runa!

Where have you worked previously?

I have worked in numerous different industries, ranging from youth centres to events, to charities and media. As well as managing my own charity work where I provide gloves for homeless people in the winter, I help with the supply of food for mothers and children living in communal housing. My jobs have always been in the public sector, following my natural disposition towards people and nurturing my outgoing personality.

What made you want to get into the security sector from your previous job?

Ever since the Finsbury Park attack in 2017, I’ve been exploring potential career paths that could stand as a force for good within the community. I also had my own negative experience with a member of the public whilst on the bus with my son, which inspired me to become stronger and be able to protect him.

Working in the front line, realising the importance of intelligence and information sharing, getting valuable insight from different perspectives – all of this has fed into my ambition to make a positive difference for my son, for the people I love, for my community and for the city I live in. I didn’t just fall into the security industry, it’s been a deliberate choice to stand as a preventative and to protect people. It is a significant advantage that I have a natural protective instinct after raising my sisters and being a mother myself which keeps me driven.

How long have you been in the security industry?

Only three weeks! I’m still getting to grips and learning everything on the ground first. My number one dream is to become a Security Analyst and provide valuable information to prevent crimes and any wrong-doing.

Have you had any negative experiences or challenges being a woman in security?

At times, I have been made to feel slightly uncomfortable, I have experienced members of the public catcalling me and such.
However, there are some great people on my team that do make me feel at my ease and welcome. Three weeks in, I can already feel a strong sense of togetherness and mutual support! On the nature of the job itself, being a mother of one means that shift stability can a bit of a challenge for me because I need flexibility.

What is your favourite part about your role?

So far, I love being able to lead as a woman and bring my team together. I also really appreciate that CIS as a company has recognised and rewarded my commitment and efforts already.

What do you want to achieve in your role?

I want to make a change and promote diversity within the security industry. I know I’m in the right position to make my voice heard and, as a woman, this is extremely important to me. In this time and age, we need to tear down any barrier preventing gender parity and equality from being reached.
Now more than ever, awareness should be raised on how the security arena is evolving. As a strong and independent woman, I want to break any stereotype rowing against gender, background and culture differences. I firmly believe that diversity is an asset.
Working in a team and protecting people imply that anyone willing to start a career in security should feel welcome and this is what I aim to achieve in my job and my career.

Are there any words of encouragement you would give to any woman considering a security career?

Be brave, own your own success, don’t conform to what people say the security industry should be or the stereotypes.
Some time ago, I found out an inspiring story occurred during World War II. Back then, domestic counter-intelligence in England was still very much male-dominated.
However, in the 1940s a high number of women operating in the Special Operations Executive played a crucial role. Their purpose was to conduct espionage and sabotage in Nazi-occupied Europe. Parachuting themselves in France, behind the enemy lines, dozens of heroic female SOE operatives established networks and communications, gathered precious information, set up safe houses to support resistance and insurrection against Nazi Germany. Women like them and many others that made history behind the headlines, have inspired me to live by one powerful motto: