One-hundred Rwanda National Police (RNP) gender focal points from different police units across the country, on June 2, began a two-day workshop on promotion of gender equality for sustainable development.
The opening of the workshop at the RNP headquarters in Kacyiru was presided over by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda.
The seminar is aimed at examining challenges related to gender promotion and propose a way forward to strengthen the capacities of gender focal points in implementing the Rwanda National Police (RNP) gender policy.
In his address to the officers, DIGP Marizamunda said this is a continuous process aligned with the force’s effort to advance gender equality.
“It’s also in line with the National Gender Policy that emphasizes equality for all; this workshop should be a guiding tool for practical ability and self-confidence in dealing with gender related issues,” DIGP Marizamunda said.
“To overcome some cultural barriers, we must keep on empowering women and ensure they are fully involved in all nation building activities. Whenever women are given equal opportunities as men in the same conditions, they are more likely to perform excellently,” he added.
He stressed that the policy of equality at RNP is geared towards giving equal opportunities to all Rwandans and that the force is on the right path towards achieving government policy.
“Today, we have 20 percent female police officers of the total force but we need to look beyond numbers and have more female officers who are proud of effectively contributing to the security of their country.”
In implementing the gender policy, RNP has put in place several mechanisms including the creation of the gender promotion directorate, the anti-GBV desk, and gender focal points in all districts.
At the end of the workshop participants are expected to draw strategies and re-emphasis gender equality as one of the factors that contribute to sustainable development.
Leave a Reply