Participants of a leadership workshop for women officers and civilian members of the Fiji Police Force have been assured of the senior hierarchy’s support in addressing issues of inequity and discrimination.

While opening the workshop to commemorate International Women’s Dayfacilitated by the Pacific Faculty of Policing  (PFP) the Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew acknowledged the contribution of women in policing.

The Pacific Faculty of Policing (PFP) is a joint Australian Federal Police  (AFP) and Australian Institute of Police Management (AIPM) initiative.

“We value and respect your contribution to policing, you all bring a different dimension to policing, and that will never be disputed. Fijian women police officers have set many firsts, opened doors to new opportunities and have benchmarked the participation of women and men in law enforcement in Fiji and the Pacific region,” Mr Chew said.

“I reassure you all, that the senior hierarchy is committed to the spirit of ensuring equity in the workplace, and to work with you all in identifying gaps and shortfalls that can be addressed. You are given this space to meet, discuss and look at the challenges faced, not from our perspective, but from your perspective,” he said.

Mr Chew acknowledged the support of PFP’s Director Facilitation Rod Smith and co-facilitator Rebecca Weaver who have worked with the FPF in similar leadership virtual and face to face trainings.

He said with support of regional institutions such as the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Women’s Advisory Network, working with the Pacific Faculty of Policing will greatly enhance  participation and representation of Pacific women in policing.