| 2024/08/29 |
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PRETORIA Thank you Programme Director
Deputy Minister of Police, Ms Polly Boshielo Good morning to all women in law enforcement. Thank you Programme Director for this opportunity to render welcoming and purpose of the event during this important occasion as we celebrate ourselves as women in the law enforcement industry and give ourselves a pat on the back and reflect our journey as women in this industry. It is important to note that this year, we are celebrating Women’s Month under the theme of “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development”. An occasion like this one presents us with an opportunity to take stock of progress made on socio-economic empowerment of women since the advent of democracy. Women in law enforcement are especially worthy of celebrating because as you may all be aware, we have made significant strides in law enforcement and also the role we play in ensuring we evaluate the progress made in implementing gender sensitive policies in the workplace and in respecting and promoting human rights in our communities. It is important to highlight that all of us in society are duty-bound to constantly apply gender sensitivity by vigorously challenging gender stereotypes and by treating one another with mutual respect. Law enforcement agencies in our country have made progress by among others, developing and promoting capable women in leadership positions – a milestone that we are all celebrating today. Moreover, we have since the past two decades, prioritised women empowerment in law enforcement. This is in line with the United Nations sustainable development goals and the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, which seek to ensure that advancement, representation and gender parity are a norm. For women to be where we are today in this country, has been a long journey, a worthwhile one as women who came before us paved the way. Indeed, today we take stock as we commemorate this day and pause to honour the women who marched in 1956 to protest against pass laws and an unjust system of the day. As women in various law enforcement agencies in our country, we must build on the legacy of women of 1956 by prioritising women empowerment and ensure that women in law enforcement and by extension, in society at large, take their rightful position to effect change. With those few words, I would like to welcome you all to this celebration. Let us all be free to engage because today is all about us. It really is a great opportunity that as women from all law enforcement agencies, we have met in this fashion. I am sure we will share best practices in the workplace and at home because we are not only managers and subordinates; many are mothers, wives, aunts and sisters while also taking care of our elderly parents. It is therefore important to reflect that as much as we give ourselves to our work to serve our country and serving our families, how do we replenish our energies so that in the midst of all that we do, we do not neglect to take care of and care for ourselves. Let us all celebrate and rejoice on this day as we reflect on how far we have come as women in law enforcement and also chart a way forward to ensure the new generation of women in law enforcement find this industry an already better place than when all of us here found it. We need to discuss on how we can create a long lasting legacy that future women in law enforcement can draw from and enhance it where they need to enhance it. With those few words, you are all welcome and thank you for gracing us with your presence. I thank you!
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