A regional initiative emphasizing gender equity within policing launched this week at the Sheraton Resort in Denarau, Nadi. The event, attracting delegates from across the Pacific, was supported by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and saw Fiji’s Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and AFP’s Commander Pacific, Acting Assistant Commissioner Phillipa Connell, officiating the opening. Connell emphasized the need for practical measures to remove barriers for women in law enforcement, acknowledging the AFP’s ongoing efforts to evolve in this regard.
Highlighting support from the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police, Commissioner Tudravu underscored the commitment to enhancing women’s roles in the police force. The program includes participants from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Nauru, Tahiti, Northern Marianas, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Tokelau, Guam, New Zealand, and Fiji, facilitated through the Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC).
The training is tailored to foster leadership qualities, improve workplace conditions for female officers, and promote open dialogue among participants, aiming to influence future decisions by Pacific Police Chiefs regarding gender equality. This initiative is a continuation of regional efforts to strengthen security cooperation and enhance law enforcement capabilities, as seen in previous gatherings and programs, including the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), supported by substantial backing from Australia.
Besides focusing on gender representation, these initiatives collectively aim to address broader security challenges, like transnational crime and regional collaboration for peacekeeping. They reinforce regional alliances while navigating shared policing objectives. By enhancing training, promoting gender equity, and boosting cooperation, Pacific nations strive towards a more unified and effective law enforcement environment, fostering a hopeful outlook for security and leadership advances within the region.