Celebrating the Women of Obsequio Group This International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate achievements, challenge stereotypes, and drive change for gender equality. At Obsequio Group, we are proud to champion women across all roles in the fire, security, and water industries—sectors where women have traditionally been underrepresented.

Despite progress, gender parity is still generations away. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate, it could take until 2158 – five generations from now – to reach full equality. That’s why we must accelerate action now, ensuring that women not only have a place in these industries but thrive as leaders and innovators.

We spoke with three inspiring women at Obsequio Group – Jeni McLaren (Head of People), Jenny Mair (Director, APS), and Kinga Ferencz (Office/HR Manager, Brunel) – to discuss their experiences, challenges, and advice for the next generation of women in our industry.

Breaking Barriers & Embracing Opportunity

What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?

Jeni McLaren, Head of People, Obsequio Group

“I have always worked in sectors where women are underrepresented. I believe that businesses thrive when they embrace equality and diversity. While Obsequio Group encourages careers for women at all levels, the life safety systems sector still needs broader representation across all roles. There is so much opportunity here for women to succeed and lead.”

Jenny Mair, Director at APS, echoes this sentiment:“If you’re considering entering this field—just do it! The right attitude and skills put you on equal footing, but being a woman can even give you an edge. More women are needed in our industry, and there’s no reason why we can’t lead the way.”

Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Jeni McLaren “I have found this industry to be very welcoming, regardless of gender. The challenge isn’t being a woman in a male-dominated field—it’s proving that my qualifications, skills, and experience are what truly matter. Today, I’m proud to be in a leadership role where I can influence strategy and drive change for future generations of women in this space.”

How have you navigated leadership in this environment?

Jenny Mair “By staying consistent and having clear boundaries. Leadership isn’t about proving yourself as a woman—it’s about proving your worth, skills, and impact. I’ve always focused on delivering results, and that has helped me earn respect in this industry.”

Advice for Women Aspiring to Lead

What advice would you give to women looking to step into leadership roles?

Jeni McLaren “There is no limit to what you can achieve—this applies to everyone, regardless of gender. Success comes down to application, dedication, and motivation. However, if you do face gender-related challenges, speak out. Now more than ever, we have opportunities to influence, guide, and shape the future of our industries. The People function should be the beating heart of any organisation, and the chance to lead that is incredible—it’s all there for the taking!”

What does being a leader mean to you?

Jenny Mair “For me, leadership is about supporting, encouraging, and guiding people to take action to achieve goals. It’s also about ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for employees. I’m incredibly proud of how I’ve helped grow our business, increasing our turnover from £770K to £2.4M in seven years, but my biggest success is seeing my trainees grow into outstanding employees.”

Creating a Supportive & Inclusive Workplace

How can businesses better support women in the workplace?

Jeni McLaren highlights a key perspective:“Support isn’t about gender—it’s about acknowledging that every individual has different needs. By embracing diversity and educating leaders on its benefits, we can create an environment where everyone thrives. Challenging stereotypes and sharing best practices are essential steps toward a more inclusive future.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

What advice would you give to young women looking to enter this field?

Jenny Mair “Just do it. The right attitude and skills put you on the same level as anyone else, but being a woman can actually put you ahead in so many ways. More women are needed in our industry—there’s a place for you here.”

Kinga Ferencz, Office/HR Manager, Brunel “The fire and security industry, like many others, faces a skills shortage. Encouraging women to enter these professions isn’t just about diversity—it’s about ensuring we have the best talent to meet industry demands. Women working in this field can also serve as role models for younger generations, showing them that they belong in industries traditionally dominated by men.”

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Kinga Ferencz “To me, International Women’s Day is a celebration of resilience, strength, and progress. After working in Fire & Security for five and a half years, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for growth. Today is a day to recognise the achievements of women across all industries—and to commit to pushing for even more progress.”

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the importance of action, urgency, and momentum in the fight for gender equality.

At Obsequio Group, we are committed to breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and shaping a future where women are not just included—but are leading the way.

Let’s keep pushing forward. Let’s Accelerate Action.