Inspector General of Police Merlyn Yolamu has bemoaned underrepresentation of women in peace-keeping roles, saying it is crucial that security institutions integrate gender considerations at all levels.
She said this in Lilongwe yesterday when opening a training workshop organised by the Malawi Police Service (MPS) for female officers from various security institutions.
The training was aimed at promoting inclusivity and leadership within the sector.
Yolamu emphasised the role of women in peace-keeping, saying their participation leads to more sustainable peace agreements.
She said: “We must work tirelessly to eliminate any forms of prejudices within our ranks, create an environment that provides equal opportunities for career, skills development and leadership positions irrespective of gender.”
She called for affirmative action and interventions such as mentorship and leadership training programmes as well as targeted recruitment to empower women in security institutions.
“It is important to address barriers that women face in the security sector from challenging stereotypes to providing facilities that support gender-specific needs within their line of work,” she said.
She urged the participants to take advantage of the workshop to build confidence and understand the importance of their role as much as protecting vulnerable populations is concerned.
In an interview on the sidelines of the workshop, Malawi Human Rights Commission executive secretary Habiba Osman said enforcing gender-equality policies should be at the core of every institution to ensure that women are protected and provided opportunities needed to thrive in their line of work.
“Entities must have policies that protect women and carefully incorporate issues of affirmative action particularly when it comes to women in decision-making positions,” she said.
On her part, UN Women country representative Letty Chiwara said women’s role in leadership is important in achieving gender-equality and it is crucial to ensure that women are at the centre of leadership.
She added that the security sector should not be exceptional when it comes to gender parities in its leadership positions.
“Decisions made within the security sector must have women voices imbedded in them. It is through this sector that women and girls feel protected. So, it is important that women are represented even in such institutions,” said Chiwara.
MPS organised the workshop in collaboration with MHRC, with support from the European Union under Chilungamo II Gender Pool Fund.
