The International Firearm Training Academy (ITA), in partnership with industry leader GLOCK International and BERNHARD AGENCIES, has launched its Women Who Train programme to initially equip six passionate women to become accredited firearms instructors within four to six months.
This flagship initiative, valued at approximately R390,000*, aims to inspire new pathways for entrepreneurship in a traditionally male-dominated industry while improving female representation among certified firearm instructors in South Africa, as the need for female-led training increases. According to ITA Chief Executive Officer Nikki Pretorius, South Africa currently has over 400 accredited training providers, yet fewer than 15% of certified firearm instructors are women.
“As firearm ownership grows among women across the country, so does the need for training environments where they feel seen, heard, and safe,” highlights Pretorius. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that women are more likely to engage, ask questions, and follow through when their mentor or instructor reflects their lived experience. This can be seen across industries from fitness and healthcare to financial coaching and education, consistently showing that many women prefer to be coached or instructed by other women.
The firearm training industry is no exception. While many male instructors provide exceptional leadership and expertise, there is an industry gap and opportunity to create more accessible, confidence-building learning environments for women. For many new shooters, especially those entering for personal protection or empowerment, representation can directly impact their comfort, trust, and willingness to continue training,” says Pretorius.
In a country where gender-based violence remains a critical issue, industry leaders have a responsibility to create safe, supportive spaces that enable women to empower themselves.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) recently released an August 2025 survey stating that a third (33.1%) of South African women over the age of 18 had experienced physical violence in their lifetime. This amounts to around 7.3million women living in the country. Against this troubling backdrop, the firearms industry has long carried the stigma of being a male-dominated space. ITA aims to change this narrative by calling on female applicants, whether driven by a passion for firearms or an entrepreneurial spirit, to join the programme and help redefine the future of firearm training.
Calling for six women to take aim at changing the face of firearm instruction
Women nationwide, from beginners to experienced shooters or those who have an interest in firearms, training, and safety, are encouraged to apply for one of the six positions here between 19 November to 20 January 2025. All programme costs will be covered by the programme facilitators.
Selected candidates will be paired with leading female trainers to undergo firearm and professional leadership training, supported by ongoing mentorship. BERNHARD AGENCIES will ensure that each trainee is equipped with the best tools of the trade, including a Glock19, which is a compact, capable, trusted semi-automatic pistol. The Glock19 delivers reliable 9mm performance in a carry-friendly package.
“At BERNHARD AGENCIES and GLOCK, we’ve long recognised that expanding access and representation strengthens the entire shooting community. By partnering with ITA to develop female firearm instructors, we’re investing in leadership, trust, and diversity. We are proud to support and empower women stepping into instructor roles, not as a token gesture, but as essential voices shaping our industry’s future,” says Nicky Bernard from BERNHARD AGENCIES.
Graduates will earn the ITA Firearms Instructor U/S 123520 qualification, the industry standard for supervising firearm training. Upon completion, they will be equipped to explore entrepreneurial and business opportunities within the firearms sector, such as offering training programmes for other women.
“Expanding the number of female instructors isn’t about replacing anyone. It’s about broadening the reach and relevance of firearm education. By welcoming more women into leadership roles, we ensure that our industry grows in step with the communities it serves, diverse, skilled, and prepared,” concludes Pretorius.
*Programme value is estimated at approximately R65 000 per trainee, which includes coaching, certification, and ammunition (excluding travel costs).
