Law enforcement agencies from Eastern Africa have launched a project dubbed “Empowering Every Badge” to advocate for greater gender parity, women participation, representation and leadership in law enforcement and criminal justice.
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana flagged off the project on Thursday, September 26, at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The launch of the project was the climax of a two-day training on ‘Gender Responsive Leadership’, which was attended by 56 law enforcement officers from nine African countries.
It was organized in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).
Participating countries are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Comoros, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Seychelles, and Rwanda, the host.
Minister Uwimana said empowering every badge recognises that women and men have different experiences and needs.
“This brings unique contributions in the work they do, and how they serve diverse communities in our region. By creating a more inclusive, equitable, and effective law enforcement system, we are improving our approach and delivery of justice,” Minister Uwimana said.
This collaboration, she said, is required to promote professional development and ensure that policing reflects the communities it serves.
She called for individual and collective commitment to a vision of gender equality in law enforcement where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness; and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute.
“In Rwanda, we are proud of the participation of women in security and law enforcement, particularly in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. As we mark 20 in peacekeeping, Rwanda continues to be one of the top contributors of troops and police in the UN peacekeeping missions.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye called for full commitment of law enforcement institutions to “get the project right and successful.” He added that the RNP will be a good and active partner towards the successful execution of the gender equality project in law enforcement agencies.
Ms Ashita Mittal, UNODC regional representative, observed that despite the evidence that gender equality offers a path to sustainable peace and conflict prevention, progress has been insufficient, and in some cases reversed.
Empowering Every Badge project, she said, will be a guiding tool for more women to join law enforcement, help reduce biases, enhance the overall community trust, and contribute to stronger capacity of women to assume leadership roles in peace and security agenda.
Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo, the Chief Executive Officer of EAPCCO and Head Interpol Regional Bureau, said that this project is the brain of the EAPCCO Chiefs of Police to have an understanding of how gender parity can be enhanced in all member countries. (End)