Opening Ceremony ...New Horizon for Future

The First Women Police Conference 2012 in Abu Dhabi got underway today with the Opening Ceremony at the Emirates Palace Hotel. I can hardly describe the awesome sight of women police from all over the Gulf States sitting in the opulent auditorium of this hotel. It was truly breath taking. Myra (left), Margaret (right) and I (center) enjoyed every moment of this event.


Margaret was a star attraction in her beautiful red serge. Media and officers attending this event lined up to get a photograph of her. The photograph below features Margaret with women officers of the Abu Dhabi Police, who had equally beautiful uniforms.


Myra (center) and Carol Thomas (left) also took time to pose for photos with an officer from Abu Dhabi Police.

Conference Banners were displayed all over the hotel. Here, Myra and I (center) pose with conference delegates along with Donna Saucier (right) from Region 3.

Outside the Emirate Palace Hotel the view is quite spectacular. The two photos here do not do justice to the magnificant view of this location.

Today was more than photo ops though. It was about changing perceptions of the role women play in security and police operations throughout the middle east. For example, according to officials here in UAE, the establishment of the Emirate Women Police Association is considered a great achievement for all of government, not just for women. According to the President of the Emirate Women Police Association, Amnah Mohamed, efforts to empower women police demonstrate a clear vision to moderize the country.

I also learned that Jordan has over 3,000 women in policing occupying jobs in traffic, forensics, VIP security and training. Jordan was also one of the first countries to place women in UN forces to aid in peacekeeping missions.

In Oman women have served with police forces since the 1970's. Over time the number of women has increased in numbers and the same applied to the variety of duties they perform. Currently women are involved in investigations, air unit, training and Secure Forces to protect female VIPs.

As the week progresses, I look forward to expanding my own understanding of the unique culture and work experiences of these women. I can not say it enough...it is an honour to be here for this first ever conference in the United Arab Emirates.