The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, has challenged police officers to protect and promote gender equality in areas of their operations.

He was speaking on Monday as he officiated at the opening of a five-day workshop of 60 Police officers, who serve as Gender Focal Points in districts, held at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru.

The majority of the Gender Focal Points are station commanders.

The workshop was organised to empower the officers in strategic management and leadership.

It is in line with the implementation of the Police gender policy and need to empower women officers and to improve their capacities in decision making.

DIGP Marizamunda reminded participants that they represent the institution in implementing its gender promotion policy, among other initiatives, and urged them to be catalysts in the execution process.

RNP, he said, is committed to promoting the country’s gender policy, including attaining the 30 per cent threshold for women in all public institutions.

Currently, women police officers account for over 20 per cent of the total Police population.

He urged them to be defined by discipline, integrity and moral values.

“The people look up to you for solutions to their problems and you should handle their issues with utmost professionalism; be exemplary to your subordinates and work as a team in response to the needs of the people,” Marizamunda said.

The workshop will tackle issues related to conflict prevention and management, command and control in police stations, leadership and community policing, among others.

Other topics to be covered include ethics and discipline, customer care and service delivery; gender mainstreaming; GBV prevention and crime response and effective communication and public relations.