The United Nations International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed annually on 8 March. The theme for 2024 is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. With gender equality predicted to be 300 years away (UN Secretary General 2023), this year’s theme focusses on pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere to ensure they are given equal opportunity to build their capabilities and strengthen their capacity to learn, earn and lead.
Bringing the theme to life, this video, introduced by Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams APM LEM, highlights an area of SAPOL where gender equality is firmly embedded and thriving. SAPOL’s Forensic Services Branch (FSB) has 46% women working across the branch and its current leadership team comprises 50% women. FSB proactively embraces gender equity through flexible working arrangements enjoyed by both women and men, and through many members participating in the national Engender Change program, which aims to bring the forensic community together through leadership supporting gender diversity and inclusivity and acknowledging the far-reaching benefits of gender equity in the workplace.
With so many inspirational women willing to share their experiences, this short video provides just a small insight into the world of women in forensics. Last month we saw Fingerprint Examiner Stacey and Crime Scene Investigator Jane talk about their important work in Forensics - watch the video here.
To further mark the day, SAPOL delegates attended the Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Adelaide Convention Centre and many other staff watched it online.
Today we celebrate all women in SAPOL and remain committed to achieving gender equality, where women are able to “learn, earn and lead” and to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where all people feel safe, respected and supported to reach their potential.
For more information on IWD and resources, visit the UN Women website.