Mponela Police Station female officers launched a three-day women-led joint operation on Saturday with a parade to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) in Dowa District.
The parade, dubbed ‘Basadi’, started from Smedi offices to Mponela Police ground.
This year’s activities include detecting, arresting and prosecuting GBV perpetrators.
During the period, female officers will also lead multi-disciplinary roadblocks to ensure road safety for road users.
Speaking after the parade, Mponela Police Station officer-in-charge Pherson Nthenda said female police officers could equally perform like men.
“This is a great initiative from the women. I must applaud them. It looks good to see female officers taking a leading role and having an entire operation. It shows that women are capable,” he said.
Nthenda urged people to join hands with the police to end GBV by reporting cases to responsible institutions.
Mponela Police Station Women Network chairperson Veronica Chimberenga said she was looking forward to accomplishing the operation.
“We are also confident that through this programme, we will attract and retain the best female officers,” she said.
One of the parade participants, Emily Banda, commended the initiative, saying it will improve the relationship between police and the community.
Basadi operation is conducted in all Southern African Development Community member States to showcase the potential that female police officers have in ending GBV.
This year the operation ran from May 26 to May 28.
