PW_3_2024

Professional Development

Enjoying the cultural experience with Christos Parginos from the IEB

policing in these countries can be challenging, but it was evident that being a woman in a patriarchal culture trying to forge a path in policing brings its own difficulties. That said, in every presentation, there was positivity and progressive change. One of the outstanding presentations of the event was from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) attaché to Berlin. As you might expect, the AFP approach to inclusion and equality was impressive, and Superintendent Cory Helden outlined a raft of measures being undertaken at AFP at national strategic level to improve recruitment and retention of women. Supt Helden’s presentation was awarded top prize at the end of the conference, but the real reward was the learning and information sharing that those women listening to her could take back and incorporate into their own strategic plans and push for ‘women in policing’ networks in their own countries. So, what about the IPA and my attendance? At the time of the conference, the International Executive Board Professional Commission had announced its inclusion of #SHEisIPA in its list of projects to develop during its 2023 – 2027 term. I had been announced as the Project Lead and the team comprised of six women from Israel, Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Kenya and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also present at the conference representing Bosnia and Herzegovina was Ivana Pavlović, one of the new #SHEisIPA team. The opportunity to meet up face-to-face enabled us to properly discuss some of the up-coming aims and objectives of the Project, one of them being to create a network of women in policing within the IPA. The conference presented a great chance to network and explain about the project both through my delegate presentation, and through good old fashioned talking with other delegates. Another key aim of the project is to increase the number of women coming into the IPA. Part of the challenge here is sharing all the benefits that come with being an IPA member, notably the connectivity that comes with an organisation of 368,000 members across 68 countries.

Ivana and I with members of Montenegro Police Team

My presentation focused on the main aims and objectives of the project, and the underpinning core areas of activity: Strategic Aim Embracing an Inclusive Vision for the Future. Vision The vision of #sheisipa is to increase the visibility of women within the International Police Association. It also aims to increase the visibility of the International Police Association to women in the wider policing family. Strategic Objectives • Data Management: To monitor gender representation data; to understand progress and identify blockers; annual review of the project achievements for IEB report. • Engagement and Visibility: Foster a culture that reaches out to women in policing and the IPA through in-person and online events; connect with stakeholders aligned with the core values of the project; create operational opportunities; raise the profile of the project’s identity; raise awareness of the project objectives through in-person and online events and activities. • Communication: Create a communication strategy to support planned activity and promote the wider objectives of the project. • Learning and Education: hold an annual in-person #sheisipa international seminar at IBZ Gimborn. • Mentoring and Networking: development of a women’s network with an associated mentoring programme; to identify individual goals towards advancement in policing or the IPA; to develop professional and personal skills to achieve those goals. • E nsure activities are in line with the United Nations published Sustainable Goals. IBZ Gimborn will be holding a #SHEisIPA seminar between 1-5 November 2024, to bring delegates from as many Sections as can be accommodated together with the aim of learning more about IPA as an organisation, how it works and what opportunities are available to shape the future. International President Martin Hoffmann and Chair Professional Commission, Diego Trolese, will attend and get involved, which bodes well for a productive event. I feel privileged to be able to participate in events such as the Montenegro Conference, and the upcoming #SHEisIPA seminar at IBZ Gimborn. Having served in the Metropolitan Police Service for 31 years, an organisation considered by many to be progressive in its approach to inclusion and diversity and yet still with its difficulties, I would have found the opportunity to be part of such an event as the Montenegro conference hugely beneficial. Apart from the conference business, delegates were able to visit Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and plant a tree in the grounds of a Budva School for the IEB Green Project. I am now presented with a platform to try and extend similar opportunities to those currently within policing through membership of the IPA, something that will be very worthwhile. If you would like to learn more about the #SHEisIPA project and how you can get involved, please contact the team at: sheisipa@IEB-IPA.org

With Ivana from SHEisIPA project

POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.3, 2024

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