A regional initiative aimed at enhancing gender equity within law enforcement commenced today at the Sheraton Resort in Denarau, Nadi. This week-long training program has gathered participants from across the Pacific, further emphasizing the commitment of various nations to empower women in policing roles. The event is supported by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and was inaugurated jointly by Fiji’s Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu alongside AFP’s Commander Pacific, Acting Assistant Commissioner Phillipa Connell.
During the opening, Connell underscored the ongoing journey of the AFP in evolving its own practices to enhance gender inclusivity, encouraging practical measures to dismantle barriers faced by women officers. Commissioner Tudravu voiced a strong commitment from the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police towards advancing women’s roles within their forces, demonstrating a collective regional commitment towards gender balance.
Representatives from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Nauru, Tahiti, Northern Marianas, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Tokelau, Guam, New Zealand, and Fiji are participating in the training sessions. These are orchestrated through the Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation (PCLEC). The objective is to foster leadership, improve workplace conditions for female officers, and promote open dialogues that will influence the gender equality policies of Pacific Police Chiefs.
This initiative aligns with previous regional efforts focused on enhancing security and law enforcement capabilities through collaboration and strategic training. Past programs have included the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police meetings and training courses at the Brisbane’s Pinkenba Training Hub. Together, these efforts aim to strengthen policing frameworks across the Pacific, with particular focus on combatting transnational crime, improving interoperability, and achieving a unified approach to regional and global security challenges.
The emphasis on gender equity within policing marks a progressive step forward for the region, providing a hopeful outlook for the future. By nurturing leadership and supporting female officers, these efforts contribute to a more inclusive and effective law enforcement environment, which in turn can lead to more stable and secure communities across the Pacific.