Across Police Districts and within our leadership teams, achievements are being celebrated as part of International Women¡¯s Day (IWD) on Monday.
At the same time, IWD is rolling out its theme for this year: Choose to Challenge ¨C challenging inequality, calling out bias, questioning stereotypes, and creating a more inclusive world.
To mark the day, Commissioner Andrew Coster has issued a pledge: ¡°I am absolutely committed to ensuring the organisation is inclusive, supportive, fair, and high-performing.¡±
Police's first female constabulary Deputy Commissioner, Tania Kura, is also supporting the global kaupapa.
¡°The theme fits perfectly with the Police Values we live every day, and relates to our recently launched platform that enables us to stand together for what¡¯s right ¨C Kia T¨±,¡± says Tania.
¡°°Â³ó¾±±ô±ð Choose to Challenge has been launched by IWD, everyone in this great organisation of ours can get behind the initiative.
¡°We all deserve to be in an inclusive, supportive and fair space. I believe we¡¯re headed in the right direction where we all enable each other to thrive in a healthy culture.¡±
Within Police there remains a determination to see our diversity profile represent the country¡¯s population.
¡°°Â³ó¾±±ô±ð there has been impressive growth in the proportion of women at all levels in Police, there¡¯s still some way to go,¡± says Tania.
¡°As a member of the WAN Governance Group, our networks in every district and service centre have a role to support new female staff and to encourage others to step up if they want to.
¡°My philosophy has been to give everything a go and get involved. I know I have grown more in the times when I have been out of my comfort zone and challenged myself. I hope you are encouraged to embrace that same philosophy.¡±
Being part of IWD, our Women¡¯s Advisory Networks have been hosting and attending special breakfasts, and joining in with women worldwide in making #Choose to Challenge selfie cards.
International Women's Day, marked annually on 8 March, is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, give attention to pay parity, and to fund-raise for female-focused charities.
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