The Rwanda National Police (RNP) 13th edition of ‘Women Police Convention’ opened on Friday, August 30, at the General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The two-day annual convention brings together the RNP leadership, government officials, female Police officers, and partners to discuss matters pertaining policing and gender promotion in the Police force.
It provides a platform for the female Police officers to discuss on their policing duties, achievements, challenges and way forward towards gender promotion and accomplishment of their tasks.
The 13th edition is held under the theme; “A female Police officer at the forefront in perfecting professional policing.”
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana, while opening the convention, emphasized the need to continue to put more effort in strengthening the principle of equality and harmony.
“Today, the number of girls and women in the Police is equal to 23.5% of all police officers in Rwanda. This is an impressive number considering where we came from and the nature of the work you do,” Minister Uwimana said.
The establishment of the gender promotion directorate in the RNP, she added, provides a driving force in the implementation of the gender policy.
Minister Uwimana thanked female Police officers for their commitment to contribute to the national security and development, including their peacekeeping roles around the world.
Currently, Rwanda is the leading contributor of female Police peacekeepers in the UN operations.
“The strength, will and talent you have shows that a girl can be at the forefront of improving professional work.
Your work makes us proud as Rwandans in general and Rwandan women in particular because there are many of you who combine this profession with the responsibility of being a mother and a wife,” the Minister noted.
She, however, observed that it should not be about the big number of female Police officers but also the impact they create in the force and Rwandan society.
The Minister further urged them to make the most of the opportunities offered by the police. This, she said, will also influence their young sisters to join the force and participate in this profession otherwise known for men.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), CG Felix Namuhoranye, said that the implementation of the gender policy in the force starts from recruitment, deployments at all levels in operations and decision-making structures.
“There is a time when having 500 female Police officers seemed like a big number, but this barrier has been broken as we target going above the required national 30 percent threshold in a short period,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He added: “It is not about what we discuss here and the resolutions and commitment that this women convention has come up with; it is all about the implementation that counts. The issue should be how we face the challenges head-on during implementation.”
The Police Chief said that the RNP leadership will continue to encourage women Police Officers to enroll for skills development programmes in order to serve in all fields and international posts.
Nana Teiba Chinbuah, the UNDP deputy Resident Coordinator, commended Rwanda’s efforts in empowering women and gender equality.
She also lauded the role of women in ensuring peace and security both at home and in peace support operations.
“The commitment and dedication shown by the Rwanda National Police in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all people living in Rwanda is truly commendable, and UNDP Rwanda is honoured to be a part of this transformative journey,” Madam Chinbuah said. (End)