Police marks International Women’s Day by celebrating 63 women in senior roles

The Namibian Police say they have promoted 63 women in their senior ranks in the past few years to promote gender equality.

Deputy inspector general of operations Elias Mutota during an event at Opuwo in the Kunene region on Saturday said the force is committed to the advancement of gender equality and ensuring every woman and girl is afforded dignity, respect and opportunities.

“The police have made significant strides towards women empowerment in their administration, whereby a total of 63 women are in managerial positions,” he said in a statement.

This includes one deputy inspector general, seven commissioners and 56 deputy commissioners.

The event was held under the theme ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment’.

Mutota said that the efforts highlighted the police’s commitment to complying with the legal frameworks on gender equality.

He said this is in line with the police’s Executive Women’s Network, which will host their extraordinary meeting as well as their annual general meeting at Otjiwarongo from 10 to 14 March.

“This platform provides a good opportunity for women to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV), violence against children, and trafficking in persons, among others.”

Mutota said the voices of those who are marginalised should be amplified, and the rights of women should be safeguarded and respected.

“As the Namibian Police, we will continue to stand firm in advocating for a just and equitable society, where women and girls are safe, empowered, and given the space to achieve their dreams,” he said.

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