Presentation in Republika Srpska of the Report on the Position of Women in Police Services in South East Europe

On 17 November 2010 in Banja Luka, the Ministry of Interior of the Republika Srpska, with the support of SEESAC, organized the presentation of the report Establishing the Southeast Europe Women Police Officers Network (WPON). Following opening statements and a press conference to mark the launch of the report, a roundtable on the improvement of the position of women in policing and the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 was held.

The meeting was opened by Mr. Stanislav Čadjo, Minister of Interior of the Republika Srpska who stated that this project was an essential element in the quest against prejudice and for gender equality in policing. Mr. Cadjo expressed his unwavering ‘support for the improvement of the position of women in the police service’ but stated that the time ahead will require ‘perseverance and continuous dedication.’ Furthermore, ‘women are no less qualified for the police profession and bring to the policing practice certain qualities which the police needs to use’. However, police services ‘should not use women exclusively for duties relating to domestic violence and sex-based crimes’ but ‘should open the full spectrum of opportunities offered by the police services to them’.

Welcoming participants, Ms. Indira Rodgic, Head of the Human Resources Directorate of the Police of the Republika Srpska, stated that the report was the result of extraordinary teamwork by representatives of police services, based on a joint vision for the establishment of a Women Police Officers Network in SEE. Mr. Goran Vukmir, Head of the UNDP Office in Banja Luka, reminded participants of the framework provided by UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (and subsequent resolutions) and stated the importance of continuing to work towards the establishment of gender equality in police services as well as society as a whole.

Following the opening statements, Ms. Bojana Balon gave a brief overview of the project, followed by a presentation by Ms. Snezana Novovic from the Serbian Ministry of Interior and lead researcher for the report who gave an overview of the key research findings and the report recommendations. Ms. Carol Thomas, representing the British Association of Women Police (BAWP) presented the British experience in promoting gender equality in policing services including the main achievements and the challenges faced. Finally, Ms. Spomenka Krunic, Director of the Gender Center of the Republika Sprska informed participants on the BiH Action Plan on the Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325. Presentations were followed by a discussion during which participants explored the ways of advancing gender equality in policing in the Republika Srpska.

The Agenda of the meeting can be downloaded here.