On October 10th, 2024, Sungi Development Foundation (SDF), in partnership with UN Women, conducted a Community Orientation Session in Koral, Islamabad, as part of the ongoing Gender Parity in Justice Sector Institutions (JSI) project. The session aimed to mobilize young women from the local community to explore career opportunities within the Islamabad Police, highlighting the importance of gender representation in law enforcement. This initiative, led by experienced facilitators Nayyer Bukhari, Tamseel Aqdas, Hafsa Shakoor, and Rabia Kaleem, forms part of a broader effort to break down cultural barriers and inspire women to take on roles in the justice sector.
The orientation session was attended by 18 female participants, underscoring the strong interest among local women in exploring non-traditional career paths, despite prevailing societal norms.
The all-female participation demonstrated the community’s growing commitment to promoting gender parity and equal representation in JSI. The session covered essential topics, including the eligibility criteria and the recruitment process for joining the Islamabad Police as Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) and Constables, as well as discussions on overcoming cultural resistance to women joining the police force.
The event began with an introduction to Sungi Development Foundation and UN Women, along with an overview of the Gender Parity in JSI project. Facilitators highlighted the significance of female representation in the justice sector and how increasing women’s participation in law enforcement can act as a catalyst for broader societal change. In-depth discussions also addressed the challenges women face when considering careers in law enforcement, particularly in conservative areas like Koral. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and discuss their concerns about joining the police force, and many expressed gratitude to SDF for providing a platform to explore potential career opportunities in law enforcement.
The community orientation session in Koral represents a significant step toward advancing gender parity in Pakistan’s justice sector by empowering young women to pursue careers in the Islamabad Police. Through the collaborative efforts of Sungi Development Foundation and UN Women, the session successfully raised awareness of career opportunities and addressed the cultural barriers that have traditionally limited women’s participation in law enforcement. The positive engagement and interest from participants highlight the community’s potential to embrace this change. Moving forward, SDF’s continued efforts, combined with strategic partnerships, will be instrumental in driving long-term progress toward achieving gender equality in the justice sector.
