On this inaugural International Day of Police Cooperation, I wish to commend law enforcement from around the world for their dedication to peace, security and justice.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Women in Policing
On the inaugural commemoration of the International Day of Police Cooperation, which was designated by the General Assembly during its 77th session, the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing, together with INTERPOL, highlights the vital role of women in policing.
Women police officers play a crucial role across the full spectrum of policing, from crime prevention to criminal investigations, the protection of human rights, and safety and security. Evidence shows that their full, equal and meaningful participation in all policing functions is vital to achieving more effective, efficient and accountable services.
The advantages of a more diverse and inclusive police workforce are clear. Women’s equal participation in decision-making and leadership drives attention to women’s unique needs and rights and the importance of mainstreaming gender-responsive approaches across all police functions, including in the development of plans, strategies and budgets.
Women’s participation in policing is emphasized by the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, which emphasizes the importance of women’s full involvement in decision-making roles as well as in conflict prevention and resolution. The increased participation of women in all areas of public life, including policing, is also vital to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls under Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Based on available data today, the average global representation of women in domestic police services is approximately 18.2 per cent, having increased by two percent in the past five years. In 2021, across 52 countries with available data, the ratio of women within the police ranged from five to 46 percent, with most countries between 15 and 20 per cent. While the numbers are improving, renewed collective commitment and effort is needed by the international community to achieve meaningful growth. .
In line with international standards, the United Nations promotes community-oriented policing that emphasizes outreach, partnerships and locally led solutions to community priorities and public safety concerns. Effective partnerships between the community and the police rely on mutual trust. A police service that reflects the diversity of the community it serves is better equipped to build trust and confidence, with clear benefits for community safety and improved service delivery.
Additionally, women’s participation in policing has important implications for access to justice, including for victim-survivors of domestic, sexual and other forms of gender-based violence, who may be more likely to seek help if they have access to a woman police officer.
The police are one of the most visible representatives of the state. As such, women’s visibility and participation, in national police services and United Nations policing, continues to inspire and attract others to pursue careers in the policing profession
Transforming police organizational practices to be more gender-responsive requires an improved understanding of gender-specific barriers to women police officers’ full, equal and meaningful participation. Increasingly, police services are becoming more aware of discriminatory practices in their recruitment processes and standards, which include gender stereotyping, paternalistic attitudes of police management, discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and the absence of family-friendly policies. The United Nations is working to promote gender-sensitive working environments, including appropriate accommodation, for women personnel serving in the field.
On this special occasion of the first International Day of Police Cooperation, and in recognition of the vital importance of women in policing, the United Nations encourages continued reform in police services globally to create pathways for women to forge meaningful careers serving the community and the rule of law.
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Key Documents
- General Assembly Resolution to proclaim the International Day (A/RES/77/241)
- Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security
Resources
Established in 2021 by the Executive Committee of the Secretary-General and co-chaired by the Department of Peace Operations and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing includes 16 entities.
