Rwanda Police plans mothers’ rooms, ECDs for women officers

To ensure a more supportive work environment for female officers, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has announced plans to establish Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres at its premises, beginning with the police headquarters and later expanding to police schools countrywide. ALSO READ: How is Rwanda boosting exclusive breastfeeding for working mothers? According to the latest figures from Rwanda National Police, women make up 23.5 per cent of the force. ALSO READ: MPs push for ECDs at workplaces Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga said: “For a woman working in the police to do her job effectively, there are specific needs that must be met to help her feel secure, confident, and at ease in her work. That’s why Rwanda National Police has decided to establish ECD centers, starting at the police headquarters and later expanding to police schools soon.” While the decision has been finalised, Rutikanga said, implementation is still in the early stages, with feasibility studies currently underway to determine the most effective way to roll out the plan. “It’s possible that by next year, we will be discussing the progress made.” The National Child Development Agency (NCDA) encourages public and private institutions to put more effort into setting up ECDs to help their employees to follow up the well-being and protection of their children while working. Alongside the ECD centres, RNP also plans to include dedicated mothers’ rooms in all buildings where women police officers are stationed. “A ‘mothers’ room,’ also known as a ‘lactation room,’ is a dedicated space in the workplace where breastfeeding employees can comfortably, conveniently, and privately express breast milk during work hours.” Rutikanga emphasised that these developments stem not only from internal planning but also from consistent feedback gathered during the annual Women Police Convention. He said: “As the number of women in the police force continues to grow, the need for supportive services like ECD centres and mothers’ rooms becomes not only evident but essential. When you have a big number of women officers at a site, it’s only natural to ensure these facilities are in place. “We should also remember that this initiative aligns with the national policy to support women so they can perform their duties effectively.”

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Rwanda Police plans mothers’ rooms, ECDs for women officers