RSIPF hosts Women’s Advisory Network AGM
Female RSIPF officers from the provinces delivering presentations during the meeting.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has concluded its Women’s Advisory Network (WAN) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Honiara on 7 Thursday.
The two-day meeting is part of activities held to coincide with this year’s International Women's Day which fall on 8 Friday.
The meeting brings together female officers from across Honiara and the provinces to discuss and reflect on the RSIPF's steps in promoting gender equality within its ranks.
The meeting was organised by the RSIPF WAN and is supported by the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
The RSIPF WAN is celebrating its 20th year having been established in 2004. The WAN is an important component in the RSIPF’s continued efforts to improve the opportunities and outcomes for women in policing both within Solomon Islands and the Pacific. The conference brings together RSIPF females to shape the future of the RSIPF and ensure it is an organisation where women can thrive.
The last WAN AGM was held in 2019 in what supposed to be held after every two years. Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, internal unrest and operational priorities have prevented meetings being held in recent years.
RSIPF Supervising Commissioner, Ian Vaevaso, delivered the keynote address at the opening of the AGM on 6 Wednesday and used the opportunity to praise the resilience of RSIPF women leaders.
Supervising Commissioner Vaevaso encouraged female officers in attendance to serve as beacons for their peers, especially the younger recruits.
He highlighted that the RSIPF Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau, is the Executive Lead of the Pacific Island Chiefs of Police (PICP) WAN-
a demonstration of his commitment to women's participation and gender equity within the RSIPF and the broader region.
Supervising Commissioner Vaevaso reflected on a number of achievements made by the RSIPF's WAN including the establishment of a Sexual Assault Unit, deployment of women across various RSIPF departments and units, training opportunities, promotions and the implementation of policies addressing pregnancy, sexual harassment and gender issues.
He said the presence of women in frontline and specialist roles within the RSIPF, crime scenes, firearms and tactical units, police maritime, criminal investigation, traffic and fire services demonstrates women’s capability.
AFP Acting Commander Solomon Islands Clinton Smith also spoke at the opening, acknowledging RSIPF as a leader in promoting gender inclusion.
Acting Commander Smith also said the importance and value of the conference cannot be underestimated as it brings the RSIPF women together to shape the future of the RSIPF and ensure it is an organisation where women can reach their full potential in a supportive environment.
RSIPF Supervising Commissioner Vaevaso thanked the RAPPP for their ongoing support to the RSIPF WAN.