{{Every March 8, every year, Rwanda joins the rest of the world to mark the International Women’s Day.}}
This is a global day to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.
Following the inception of Rwanda National Police (RNP) in June 2000, the force embarked on empowering women both within the force and protecting the rights of women and girls in general.
Fourteen years down the road, the number of Female Police Officers has risen from almost zero percent to 20% of the current total Police force.
Development cannot be attained when there is no gender balance or when one group is left behind.
The RNP target is therefore to attain the minimum 30% of female police officers in the force as per the government’s requirement.
The force has also established various initiatives to empower women and girls and fight Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The establishment of the Anti Gender Desk and decentralizing it to the district level is a step towards this development path.
In 2009, the RNP in collaboration with One-UN-Rwanda and Imbuto foundation established Isange One Stop Centre in Kacyiru Police Hospital to provide free medical, psycho-socio and legal services to GBV victims.
Late last month, the First Jeannette Kagame presided over the official launch of the scale-up of Isange One Stop Centre for GBV victims in Nyagatare District.
The centre which operates under the supervision of RNP is expected to be established in 41 Hospitals across the country.
This is a holistic approach towards a free GBV community whose ideal purpose is to observe the rights of women and girls and developing together.
In 2012, Isange One stop centre received the United Nations Public Award (UNPSA), for being a holistic centre in fighting Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
Rwanda also maintains the highest number of female police peacekeepers worldwide. These female officers act as mentors and advisors to Police forces in countries of their operation.
The RNP has also given female officers chance to operate in areas where they have families and the annual Female Convention is meant to give them chance to deliberate on issues that might develop them and lay strategies to solve their challenges.
Women empowerment and fighting violence against women and girls, therefore remains among the priorities of the force.
RNP
Leave a Reply