Across Police Districts and within our leadership teams, achievements are being celebrated as part of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Monday.
At the same time, IWD is rolling out its theme for this year: Choose to Challenge – challenging inequality, calling out bias, questioning stereotypes, and creating a more inclusive world.
To mark the day, Commissioner Andrew Coster has issued a pledge: “I am absolutely committed to ensuring the organisation is inclusive, supportive, fair, and high-performing.”
Police's first female constabulary Deputy Commissioner, Tania Kura, is also supporting the global kaupapa.
“The theme fits perfectly with the Police Values we live every day, and relates to our recently launched platform that enables us to stand together for what’s right – Kia Tū,” says Tania.
“While Choose to Challenge has been launched by IWD, everyone in this great organisation of ours can get behind the initiative.
“We all deserve to be in an inclusive, supportive and fair space. I believe we’re headed in the right direction where we all enable each other to thrive in a healthy culture.”
Within Police there remains a determination to see our diversity profile represent the country’s population.
“While there has been impressive growth in the proportion of women at all levels in Police, there’s still some way to go,” says Tania.
“As a member of the WAN Governance Group, our networks in every district and service centre have a role to support new female staff and to encourage others to step up if they want to.
“My philosophy has been to give everything a go and get involved. I know I have grown more in the times when I have been out of my comfort zone and challenged myself. I hope you are encouraged to embrace that same philosophy.”
Being part of IWD, our Women’s Advisory Networks have been hosting and attending special breakfasts, and joining in with women worldwide in making #Choose to Challenge selfie cards.
International Women's Day, marked annually on 8 March, is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about women's equality, give attention to pay parity, and to fund-raise for female-focused charities.
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