Some 109 female Police officers started a United Nations peacekeeping course at the Police Training School (PTS) Gishali in Rwamagana District.
The 12-day course was organized by Rwanda National Police RNP in partnership with the UN Police Division and Canada.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, the Commandant of PTS, said that the course is designed to equip female officers with the required knowledge and skills to successfully carry out mandated peace operation tasks once deployed, and to address the gender gap observed in mission personnel.
The course, he noted, will help beneficiaries to fulfil some requirements, which include professional experience, language skills, firearms proficiency, and the UN Police strategic guidance framework, among others.
“You were selected to be trained for specific peacekeeping operations tasks, and the RNP expects you to successfully carry out mandated tasks that are waiting for you. I, therefore, urge you to efficiently learn from experienced trainers, display discipline and teamwork throughout training to become valuable contributors to the global peace and security,” the Commandant said.
“The participation of women in peacekeeping operations encourages more active participation of women in peace processes and political decision-making,” CP Niyonshuti said, adding that women are part of peace negotiations, more inclusive and produce more sustainable results.
“They also serve as powerful mentors and role models for women and girls in post-conflict settings in the host community, setting examples for them to advocate for their own rights and pursue non‐traditional careers,” the Commandant observed.
Rwanda is currently the leading contributor of Police to UN missions, for both male and female peacekeepers, with the strength of more than 1100 officers. (End)