Programme Director,
National Commissioner of Police in South Africa, General Riah Phiyega,
Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lt General Ngobeni,
President of International Association of Women Police (IAWP), Ms Jane Townsley,
Police Chiefs from different police departments present,
Mayor of Durban, councilor James Nxumalo,
All members of parliament, MPLs, and councillors present,
Representatives from government departments in South Africa,
All SAPS Lieutenant Generals, senior officers and staff present,
Representatives from Local and International Research and Academic Institutions, Civic Organisations present,
IAWP Conference Invited Speakers and delegates present,
Distinguished guests,
Members of Local and International edia present,
Ladies and gentlemen,
First, I would like to request everyone present here to rise and to pay a minute-of-silent respect to all our fallen police heroes and heroines, who died protecting their citizens in their respective countries across the globe.
The slaying of a top woman police officer in Afghanistan, Sub-Inspector Negar, just a little than a week ago is a stark reminder of the ever constant lurking dangers that you as police officers face, be it a man or a woman police officer. But, loosing a policewoman through senseless killings, becomes extra sensitive to all law enforcement agencies, because there are still few women in policing as compared to your male counterparts.
And, on top of this challenge, is the historical fact that, it took years for women police globally, to be accepted by both the public and male police counterparts. And, unfortunately, in some countries, women police are still subjected to ridicule, rejection, and certainly to rebuke of their efforts in enforcing the law.
Notwithstanding, the holding of the IAWP conference 2013 in this continent for the first time, and your presence as delegated by your respective countries, is a great assurance that our respective nations are on track indeed.
At least for the context of South Africa, we can safely say that today, our policewomen are now serving in all types of police ranks, and are assigned to all kinds of missions just like their male counterparts. And, proudly so, the South African Police Service has its first ever woman police boss, the National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega, who is doing a splendid job under enormous challenges of crime in our country.
And, as government, we do have a living hope that one day there will be no more “firsts” for women to be appointed in a certain jobs. Our transformative legislation on women equity and equality is ensuring that there will be a consistent leveling of recruitment, appointment and promotion of women at all levels of duties and responsibilities.
In the meantime though, we need to pay tribute to all those “firsts”, the first female police pioneers who opened up doors for future women to pass through. Especially, we need to pay tribute and celebrate the pioneering work of Alice Wells who founded the International Association of Policewomen (IAP), which later expanded and became known as the International Association of Women Police (IAWP).
The Minister of Police and myself are thus confident that the deliberations made and resolutions taken during this conference will be building on this legacy left by Alice Wells, by enhancing the support initiatives for female police officers, and, in the process, providing an organized voice to the interests of police women.
The President of IAWP, Ms Jane Townsley, indicated during the opening of the IAWP conference 2013, that this particular conference has been the most accessible training conference in years, due to a reduced registration fee that was introduced by the organisers.
We thus thank the National Commissioner of Police, General Phiyega, and her organising team for making sure that as many women police officers attend the training conference. Equally important though, as raised by the Minister of Police in his key note address during the opening of this conference, was the importance of delivering impactful resolutions for the broader good of all police women, globally, in their fight against crime, especially those crimes committed against women and children.
The Minister said: “A key challenge we need to put to IAWP would be a comprehensive reflection of its impact, since formation 98 years ago. This reflection should not be based on the increase in membership, but how has it impacted and responded to some of the socio-economic conditions facing women globally?”
At the recent backdrop of the announcement of our national crime statistics, I totally agree with the Minister’s sentiment. IAWP must continue sustaining itself as a global collective player that seeks to better the livelihoods of all people, especially in our African continent.
So, this platform must be an opportunity for effective articulation against gender based violence, and all violent crimes against women and children. IAWP must be a space for sharing ideas on how to mainstream issues of economic growth, job creation and equality in the fight and prevention of crime.
As we bid you farewell you to your respective countries, we hope then that this conference had inspired and innovate you into action. On behalf of the government of South Africa and its people, I wish you well in all your endeavours in the fight against crime.
I thank you all.
Enquiries:
Colonel Vish Naidoo
Cell: 082 567 4153
