Creating Prerequisites for Increasing the Number of Women in Leading Police Positions

(Patria) - A two-day workshop on "Developing Leadership Skills" has concluded, attended by about 30 female police officers from law enforcement agencies in BiH, who were presented with certificates of participation. The workshop was held in Jahorina and was implemented within the project "Strengthening the Capacities of Female Police Officers - Potential Leaders", which is being implemented with the support of the US Embassy.

The workshop was assessed as highly beneficial by all participants. In addition to highlighting the usefulness of the topics covered for future work and professional advancement, the importance of networking with female police officers from a large number of police agencies at all levels in BiH, mutual acquaintance, and exchange of experiences was particularly emphasized.

The goal of the workshop was to raise awareness of gender equality, develop leadership skills, and empower female police officers, which will help them in their further professional development and career advancement. Among the educators were experts in the mentioned fields Amna Popovac, Marina Bakić, and Sanela Dujković, who are also leaders in various spheres of work.

It was concluded that female police officers must make joint efforts to raise awareness of gender equality in police structures in BiH and overcome stereotypes and prejudices about the police profession as exclusively male, and to overcome formal and informal barriers to advancement.

The President of the Association, Kristina Jozić, concluded at the end of the workshop that practice has shown that women are dynamic leaders in all spheres of work, that they produce change, and that their participation in decision-making processes is fundamental for the democratic governance of the country.

"Therefore, when women take on leadership roles, the entire society can benefit from it, which is why it is very important to increase the number of women in higher and leadership positions in the police," Jozić emphasized.

Within the mentioned project, the Association "Network of Female Police Officers" will implement workshops of this type for 100 female police officers from police agencies in BiH by the end of September.