Community Orientation on Gender Parity in JSI
In the month of September 2024, the Sungi Development Foundation (SDF), in partnership with UN Women, conducted a community orientation session in Bari Imam, Islamabad, aimed at mobilizing young women to pursue careers in law enforcement.
This session is a part of the broader Gender Parity in Justice Sector Institutions (JSI) project, which seeks to increase female representation in Pakistan’s justice system and law enforcement agencies. With the focus on encouraging women to join the Islamabad Police as Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) and Constables, the session highlighted the importance of breaking cultural barriers and empowering women to take on leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
The session’s objectives were clear: to provide young women with the awareness and knowledge necessary to navigate the recruitment process, to highlight eligibility criteria and the procedure for joining the Islamabad Police, and to emphasize the importance of female representation in the JSI initiative. With 31 female participants, the session demonstrated the community’s growing interest in law enforcement careers for women. Through detailed presentations and open discussions, the event aimed to inspire these young women to view law enforcement as a viable and rewarding career path.
One of the key challenges addressed during the session was the cultural and familial opposition that many young women face when considering a career in law enforcement. Recognizing this, SDF took a proactive approach by organizing preliminary meetings with the families of potential participants. These sessions helped break down misconceptions about women’s roles in the police force and emphasized the significant contributions women can make to justice and security. By involving the families in the process, SDF ensured greater community support for the participants, fostering a more conducive environment for women to explore career opportunities in the justice sector.
The orientation session was led by Nayyer Bukhari, Tamseel Aqdas, Hafsa Shakoor, and Rabia Kaleem, who provided detailed insights into the eligibility criteria and recruitment process for the Islamabad Police. Participants were introduced to the requirements for joining the force and were equipped with practical guidance on how to overcome the challenges they may face during the recruitment process. The session also included discussions on the significance of gender parity in law enforcement, highlighting how the inclusion of women in these roles can transform the justice system by making it more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
The discussion also delved into the broader role of women in leadership within the justice system. Participants were encouraged to view themselves not just as applicants for police positions but as potential change-makers who could contribute to a more gender-balanced law enforcement sector. The trainers emphasized that female representation in law enforcement is crucial for addressing issues related to gender-based violence and for promoting a more empathetic and just approach to law enforcement in Pakistan.
Looking ahead, the Sungi Development Foundation and UN Women are committed to continuing their efforts to support young women in pursuing careers in law enforcement. Future steps will include practical training sessions to help participants develop the physical skills required for police roles, as well as mentorship programs that will guide them through the application and training process. Additionally, SDF will continue to work with families and communities to address cultural barriers and ensure that young women have the support they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Participants expressed their gratitude to Sungi Development Foundation for organizing the session, with many requesting to be added to WhatsApp groups to stay updated on future training opportunities and recruitment developments. These networks will allow participants to stay connected and continue receiving guidance as they progress toward their goals.
In conclusion, the Community Orientation Session in Bari Imam was a vital step towards promoting gender parity in Pakistan’s justice sector by encouraging young women to consider careers in the Islamabad Police. By addressing both the practical challenges and cultural barriers that women face, the session laid the groundwork for increased female participation in law enforcement. The event’s success reflects the dedication of Sungi Development Foundation and UN Women to creating a more inclusive and equitable justice system, where women play a central role in maintaining law and order. With continued community engagement, training, and mentorship, this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to a more balanced and effective law enforcement system in Pakistan.
