Women Police officers have been challenged to uphold discipline and selfless service, as well as be ambassadors of women empowerment and gender equality.

The Minister for Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana, made the call while addressing over 700 female officers at the 6th ‘Police Women Convention’ in Kigali yesterday.

This year’s convention was held under the theme; "Enhancing Women Participation for Gender Equality.”

In its 14 years of existence, Rwanda National Police has a force made up of 20 per cent female officers.

"But the most important factor is not just the growth of numbers, but the tireless work they do to ensure that Rwanda is safe and secure,” Harerimana said.

"Respect the uniform and make Rwandans trust you at all times,” he added.

The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana, said female Police officers are crucial in the policing strategies at RNP and asked them to work harder to solve society challenges.

He commended those who performed very well to the extent of getting awards in UN peace keeping missions .

"Through this convention, you are obliged to reflect on the work you have done so far, find the gaps and their solutions, as well as recommendations on how to improve the Force,” IGP Gasana noted.

Superintendent Goretti Mwenzangu, the Director of Gender Promotion at RNP, who spoke on behalf of the female officers, commended government for elevating the status of women in the country.

"Everyone is assessed fairly and there is a deliberate effort at RNP to ensure that women are empowered,” she observed.

The event was also attended by a representative of One-UN Rwanda, Nadine Rugwe, who pointed out the importance of RNP women officers’ serving in UN peacekeeping missions.

Rwanda was the first country to deploy a contingent composed of only females in peacekeeping and currently among the countries with the highest number of female police peacekeepers in UN missions.

Rose Rwabuhihi, the Chief Gender Monitor reminded officers to always serve as role models to women by following up cases related to gender-based violence.

The annual event brings together female Police officers to deliberate on how to solve issues affecting them in their day-to-day duties.