Rwanda National Police (RNP) opened its 13th edition of 'Women Police Convention' 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 of policing and gender promotion in the police force.

It provides a platform for the female Police officers to discuss their policing duties, achievements, challenges and way forward towards gender promotion and accomplishment of their tasks.

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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, who opened the convention, emphasized the need to continue to put more effort in strengthening the principle of equality.

"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,” 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 national security and development, including their peacekeeping duties around the world.

Currently, Rwanda is the leading contributor of female police peacekeepers in the UN operations.

"The strength, will and talent that you have show that a girl can be at the forefront of improving professional work,” the Minister noted.

"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.”

She, however, observed that the most important thing should not be the number of female Police officers but the impact they have in the force and the Rwandan society.

The Minister further urged them to make the most of the opportunities offered by the police. This will also influence their younger sisters to join the force and participate in this profession otherwise known for men.

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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 was 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,” Namuhoranye said.

He added: "It is not about what we discuss here and the resolutions and commitment that this 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 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Coordinator, commended Rwanda&039;s efforts in empowering women and gender equality.

"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," Chinbuah said.

She also lauded the role of women police officers in international peace support operations.