The Minister for Health, Dr Diane Gashumba, has said that female in policing represent the pride and dignity of a Rwandan woman.

The minister made the remarks yesterday at Rwanda National Police (RNP) General Headquarters in Kacyiru where she presided over the 10th ‘Police Women Convention.’

The convention was also attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza and his deputies; Juvenal Marizamunda, of Administration and Personnel, and Felix Namuhoranye, in charge of Operations.

Also present was the Chairperson of the National Itorero Commission, Edouard Bamporiki, and other officials.

The annual gathering brings together hundreds of female police officers of all ranks and the RNP leadership to discuss matters related to gender equality in the Force and to address challenges affecting women in policing duties.

The 10th convention was held under the theme: "Gender Equality Towards Professional Policing.”

"Having you in maintaining the security of our country and in international peacekeeping duties makes the difference, and we feel proud for your commitment and patriotism,” Gashumba told the female officers.

She spoke of the role of women Police officers in promoting healthy communities.

"It’s not just donning that uniform but rather what it brings to the well-being of the people... we have pressing issues related to poor feeding, family planning and teenage pregnancies; we need to see you working with health workers in communities addressing these factors that affect community development and unhealthy living,” the minister added, urging them to lead by example.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com