PW-2-2026

Article

Women Through the Ages By Maria Stanley , Region 3 I attended the “Women Through the Ages” International Women’s Day joint Norfolk/Suffolk event, on behalf of the International Police Association. T he day was built around three clear themes: The Past That Built Us, Those Who Lead Us, and The Future We Will Shape, with opening and closing remarks from ACC Julie Dean. The programme included I came away feeling that those women could quite easily have spoken all day and still not exhausted their stories. There is enormous value in creating space for those stories to be heard. They are part of policing history, but they also remain highly relevant to current conversations about culture, leadership, inclusion, and progression.

contributions from retired female officers, serving staff and officers, a confidence session, the relaunch of The Forum, networking opportunities, and a closing panel discussion on the future of women in policing. Context International Women’s Day 2026 was framed around the theme Give to Gain. It is a simple idea, but a strong one. When people give their time, encouragement, mentoring, advocacy, and support, they create better conditions for others to thrive. In that sense, giving is not a loss. It is an investment. It multiplies confidence, opportunity, and momentum. That wider theme felt especially relevant throughout this event. The women who spoke in the opening session had clearly given a great deal over the course of their careers, often in difficult circumstances and with little recognition. Because of that, others have gained. Equally, the day itself created opportunities for current officers and staff to share, connect, encourage one another, and continue that same cycle. Overview of the Day The event opened with The Past That Built Us, including a timeline display provided by force historians and museum volunteers, and personal reflections from retired female officers Sheila George, Pat Allen, and Jane Stevens. It then moved into Those Who Lead Us, featuring speeches from inspiring serving staff and officers: Inspector Dawn Collyer from firearms training, Elana Walker, Improvement and Innovation Officer and Special Constable, Vanisha Mistry, Digital Communications Manager, and PC Annelly Miles from the Dog Section. After an afternoon tea-style buffet and networking session, the day continued with The Future We Will Shape, including a confidence session, the relaunch of The Forum, and a panel discussion with audience participation. The Most Powerful Part of the Day Without question, the most poignant part of the day for me was the opening session. Hearing from retired female officers in their 70s and 80s was moving, humbling, and at times genuinely jaw-dropping. These women were not talking about change from the sidelines. They had lived it. They had been the ones pushing forward in environments that were far from welcoming. Their reflections brought home just how much women before us had to contend with, often with less support, less flexibility, fewer role models, and little formal recognition. It was a timely reminder that the progress women now benefit from did not happen by accident. It was earned through determination, resilience, and courage. One account that particularly stayed with me was hearing that one of the women had been the first female authorised firearms officer. Even in 2026, that is still not an everyday sight, so to consider what that achievement must have meant at the time was striking.

Those Who Lead Us The second session shifted the focus from pioneers of the past to women shaping policing now. It was useful to hear from a range of serving staff and officers whose roles reflected different parts of the organisation. Inspector Dawn Collyer spoke from a firearms training perspective, which was a strong reminder that women continue to lead credibly and visibly in specialist and operational spaces where they may still be underrepresented. Elana Walker brought a perspective rooted in improvement, innovation, and service in a dual capacity as both an Improvement and Innovation Officer and a Special Constable. That blend of roles reflected the value of adaptability, fresh thinking, and contribution across different parts of policing. She also brought her weeks old baby to the event – a real early introduction! Vanisha Mistry, as Digital Communications Manager, represented another important side of leadership. Not all leadership in policing wears uniform, and it was helpful to see communications, influence, and narrative shaping recognised as part of how organisations build trust and culture. PC Annelly Miles from the Dog Section also offered an important example of visible operational leadership. It was encouraging to hear from someone working in an area that people often still associate more readily with men, and it reinforced the importance of women being seen across the full breadth of policing roles. Of course, the dog, Ivy, stole the day and everybody’s attention! Taken together, the session worked well because it showed that there is no one single way to lead. Leadership can look operational, strategic, innovative, relational, or quietly influential.

POLICE WORLD Vol 71 No.2, 2026

10