Security guards are an integral part of our lives across different aspects. Bodyguards to armed/ unarmed guards, we are incomplete without them. They provide an assurance, a security, an ease of mind that enables us to live and work peacefully.
Security personnel exhibit diverse characteristics, backgrounds and genders. Many well-known security agencies in India hire women; gender inclusivity is fast becoming an integral aspect of this business transformation.
As a proud Hamletian, we see this diverse change transcend at AOH too, with SIS Security. It’s heartening to see how the women force is gracefully and diligently learning the demands of this role in a large, gated community complex.
On average, AOH gets 3,500 male and female visitors daily, including guests, delivery boys, maids, service providers etc., with men contributing a significant number. Our Guards on duty work tirelessly, round the clock, in 12-hour shifts with peak hours starting as early as 5 AM and stretching up to 11 PM.
AOH has associated with SIS Security to employ almost 80 security guards of which 12-15 are female. It’s a welcome change to have female guards amidst us, contributing to a positive culture. This impacts the perception of the future generation amongst us to be more inclusive in their approach.
While the initial transition faced mixed reactions and challenges, including some inconvenience and confusion during the adjustment period, the situation is gradually settling. It’s important to acknowledge the challenging nature of the role for some female guards, who may come from less privileged educational backgrounds yet exhibit a determination to meet the demands of their responsibilities.
Stereotypically, women are associated with evoking a sense of security and warmth, a quality that is becoming more familiar and appreciated within our community. In the words of one of the guards, “We are happy here as this is one of the first times that a gated community has accepted us and given us this opportunity. We enjoy being around families and children.”
With our collective support, I’m confident that this paradigm shift in responsibility will soon become a way of life; the ‘rotation of duty’ will emerge as a norm for times to come.
