The Rwanda National Police (RNP) held its 12th annual Women Police Convention on September 27, bringing together female officers from various departments and units to deliberate on gender-related issues within policing.

This year’s theme was: "Breaking Barriers Towards Gender Equality in Professional Policing," and different matters relevant to policing duties, accomplishments, challenges, and the way forward to promote gender equality, were discussed.

When it comes to the quest for gender balance, Rwanda National Police has outdone itself. Female representation in the force has grown tremendously in two decades, from less than one percent in 2002 to 10.3 percent in 2010, and 23 percent in 2022.

Experts say representation is often the first step to achieving gender equality, and this is the same case when it comes to decision-making positions. A little over a decade ago, RNP had a female Inspector General of Police (IGP), albeit in acting role, and, today, boasts of several high-ranking female officers including one Deputy Commissioner General.

Furthermore, women are visible in non-traditional duties, such as being instructors in martial arts, shooting, VIP protection, and more. Perhaps this explains why Rwanda is currently one of the leading contributors of female police peacekeepers in UN missions.

We cannot say, however, that our police have completely achieved gender equality. RNP has at least three male officers for every female officer, and there is only one woman in the police command that is made up by more than 30 people.

We can do more by encouraging young women to join the force – which has proven overtime to be a decent vocation. RNP should also do more in inspiring them, just like we see campaigns to have more women in STEM and other male-dominated fields.

With what has already been achieved, the future of RNP in gender equality seems promising. Gender balance in policing can be achieved soon.