16 Days, 2 Conferences, 1 Global Message

A full week has passed since our historic IAWP journey to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for the 1st Emirates Women Police Conference. I have checked in with both Myra (below left) and Margaret (below right) and they report they are recovering from the jet lag, but still digesting the totality of our experiences. I am sure we will reflect on this for many years to come.

The IAWP was invited to take part in the Emirates Women Conference through the dedicated work on the Region 16 Coordinator, Steph Harding. During our time together, I learned that Steph has worked overseas in eight assignments. She is well versed in the customs of many countries and helped us to follow proper decorum while we were in UAE.

Steph worked hand in hand with the President of the newly affiliated Emirates Police Women Association, Amnah. IAWP board members were thrilled to learn that she will be taking a larger role on the IAWP board in the near future.

During the opening ceremonies (photo below) we had ample opportunity to meet and take photos with women from all over the middle east. This photo features IAWP board members with a police officer from Abu Dhabi police.

The photograph below features my name (top line) and my rank (bottom line) written in Arabic. The scrip is so beautiful I asked a member of the Abu Dhabi police to write it out for me. Over 700 delegates participated in this event, travelling from countries such as Amman, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Syria and all over the UAE. We were able to communicate with most in English and both Margaret and I even took advantage of our French to speak with officers from Syria. (Margaret is much more fluent than I am but I managed ...LOL...I have resolved to improve my oral French very soon!)

I must admit I was very naive about women in policing in the middle east. Officers from Jordan (below) told me that their country has advanced the rights of women for many years. Now, women are able to work in any police assignment that men can, they are afforded equal pay for equal work and they have full support of the government and the Jordanian Royal Family. The photograph below is me with a Forensic Specialist (far left), an officer on UN assignment (left of me), a Police Prosecutor (right of me) and the Officer in Charge (far right).

The Abu Dhabi Police have set a very high standard for conferences. However, when we parted ways, many of the delegates were busy talking and planning for the second women police conference in the region. Clearly, the presentations on leadership, forensics, Interpol, and career planning started the momentum to continue with training for future generations of women police.

1st Asia Region Women Police Conference

Dhaka, Bangladesh was our IAWP home for the second week of the journey. In the photo above I am standing with officer from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, which is a division of the Bangladesh National Police.

The entire city was decorated, much like the driveway here, with posters and flags in honour of this conference. This photo (above) is the view approaching the dorm at the Bangladesh Police Staff College. The IAWP board meeting took place here and so did the program portion of the Asian Women Police Conference. It proved to be a fantastic venue for both events.

Region 3 Coordinator, Donna Saucier (above right) poses with one of the two officer from Indonesia (above left) who attended the conference in Dhaka. The Indonesian officers were proud to stand up and invite all delegates to attend the Second Annual Asia Women Police Conference in Indonesia next year.


Region 15 Coordinator Amena Begum put hours of effort into coordinating this conference. During the "Developing Women Police Leadership" panel discussion she spoke up and stated that she was a "situational leader" in that she was given the situation of coordinating the conference and simply rose to the challenge. I think she is being a bit modest in her efforts. This conference attracted officers from Indonesia, Pakistan, Maldives, and Nepal.

The conference topics covered included Domestic Violence investigations, leadership, gender specific policing, and an introduction to UN Police missions. My only regret...I could not take in every session...

The photo above features me and Donna Saucier in front of one of the hundreds of banners displayed for the opening ceremony. Donna was photographed as frequently as Margaret in her Delaware State Police uniform.

What next?

That is the question I was asked repeatedly in Abu Dhabi and in Dhaka. I now realize that I have so much more to learn about women in policing in other countries. Some have very similar challenges to us in Canada...work/life balance and juggling family priorities for example...and some have very unique challenges...overcoming a society views that still believes women should not work as police officers, that we may not be strong enough.

The future is exciting for women in policing and for IAWP. I look forward to many more global events where women can share experiences and challenge each other to think in new ways. We have started a wave of dialogue that will only help to strengthen women in policing all over the world.

The global message I want to leave all of you with is borrowed from the Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police who stated during his remarks at the Opening Ceremony "The nation should be proud of you for taking up this challenging career."

We should all be proud of ourselves!

Bangladesh Police break new ground

It was a packed agenda and a full house for the 1st Asia Women Police Conference held this past week in Dahka, Bangladesh. The conference began with an Opening Ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel. By the time honored guests took to the stage (featured below) there were more news cameras than I have ever seen before in one room.

Mylan Masson (below right) and a female police peacekeeper (below left) wait for the opening ceremony to begin. The conference was partly sponsored by the UNDP. I was very impressed to learn that Bangladesh is the largest contributing nation of female police peacekeepers. They have sent two full female police units to UN missions in the last few years.

Margaret is featured here with Sadia (below right) who was our host at the Bangladesh Police Staff College. She is an instructor at the college.

The conference featured many sessions on female police leadership. This panel featured high ranking officers from (left to right) Pakistan, South Africa, IAWP (President Townsley) and Bangladesh. This session generated much discusssion among the audience and panelists.

Our new UN friend gave her unique perspective on the importance of police women on UN missions. She has been on both sides of the line in post conflict situations because she grew up in war torn country.

I can say enough about the effort of IAWP Region 15 Coordinator Amena Begum to coordinate this conference. In her own words she used Situational Leadership because she was put into the situation of pulling this successful event together in just under one year! She has reason to be smile.

Congratulations to the Bangladesh Police and the Bangladesh Police Women Network for a wonderful conference. IAWP looks forward to the Second Annual Conference next year in Indonesia.

On to Bangladesh

We have now moved to Dhaka, Bangladesh for the second part of our historic journey. Myra and I, like the other IAWP delegates, took advantage of a few hours rest because we arrived at 3:30 a.m. I think we look rested here. This photo is taken on the front porch of the Bangladesh Staff College which is our home for this week.



As we drove up the long approach to the College, we all observed these wonderful purple posters. I made Myra pose beside this one which featured a photo of her taken at the Minneapolis 2010 Conference. These posters are everywhere in the city to highlight the 1st Asia Region Women Police Conference.

There is an air of festivity surrounding this conference. That is the reason why the flags are out along the College drive. The conference opening ceremony will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel downtown (tomorrow morning) but the conference program will take place here at the Bangladesh Staff College.

The last official day of our conference the Abu Dhabi police took several visiting agencies, including IAWP Board members, on a tour of the city. Myra (left) myself and Margaret (right) thouroughly enjoyed our trip to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.




There are really no words to describe how breathtaking this site is. So...I will just let you take a look for yourself.

Remember the storm I told you about the other night? Well...just like cleaning up after a Canadian snow storm, workers here were sweeping out sand from one of the reflecting pools.

The second stop on our tour was Ferrari World. I plan on making a request to the Chief when I get home for one of these cars. Truly ... a Traffic Cop's dream car!

How the time flies...

...when you are enjoying yourself!

The First Women Police Conference 2012 in Abu Dhabi wrapped up yesterday. Everyone involved in this event, organizers, sponsors, trainers and staff should be very proud of this event. This was on a level equal to any of the Annual IAWP Training Conference I have attended. And many of the Board of Directors/Board of Trustees who are here will agree with me.

I took in more excellent training sessions on Day 2. The first, as you see below, was on strategic leadership. The room was full of people and energy and we all took away good tips for our personal leadership development.



Mylan Masson (left) me and Deb Friedl (right) were seated early for the strategic leadership session so that we did not miss anything. I have enjoyed talking with Mylan this week and hearing about her previous IAWP trip to this area in 1998. This conference represents an enormous shift in opportunities for women according to Mylan.



A conference delegate (left) asks questions after the presentation. It is always a good sign that questions flow after the formal part of the session. Clearly, the learning had just begun.

The second session of the day for me was Interpol, presented by a Colonel with the Abu Dhabi Police.

Abu Dhabi is one of 190 member countries to Interpol. Interestingly, I have never previously had the opportunity to learn about Interpol so I took lots of information away from this session. For instance, Interpol maintains a DNA Gateway (database) and Abu Dhabi is the country in the middle east that is connected to it.

Margaret Shorter has also been busy this week. Not only has she taken in many sessions here, but she was assigned more formal duties such as attending government meetings. That beautiful red serge had lots of use of this week. She did enjoy more "casual" dress for Day 2 though.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Abu Dhabi Police and to the conference organizers Amnah and Steph! This was a fantastic event and I look forward to IAWP events in this area!

Abu Dhabi at night

Both photos - Emirates Palace Hotel

More alike than I knew...

I woke up this morning to discover that there has been a storm here in UAE, not unlike what happens during the winter at home. Winds were high, people were having trouble getting around and the visibility was poor. Sound like something you have seen before? The big difference here in UAE was it was not snow causing those issues, it was sand being wipped around during a seasonal sand storm. All over now and in reality the problem were more severe over in Dubai than Abu Dhabi.

The other notable similarity between here and other IAWP events is how hard the conference co-directors, Amnah and Step (below) have been working to ensure everything goes as planned. Well...at least as close to the plan as possible (as most past and present IAWP conference can atest). I can assure you that everything has been perfect!

Myra and I took time out again today to pose with various officers from the Abu Dhabi police. Many women stopped by the IAWP display to fill out membership forms and ask questions about the type of work that women in policing in Canada do. Myra will be leading a group of IAWP members in a workshop tomorrow that will cover all that. Check back here for details on that.

I was able to take in a few of the presentations here. Translation services are offered so it was quite easy to follow this Lieutenant with the Abu Dhabi police as he discussed the challenges and success of the UAE to combat Human Trafficking. There were some striking similarities to issues I hear at home. For instance, organized crime has a strong foot hold in human trafficking here just like Canada. As well, inter agency cooperation and, in fact, international cooperation is not as coordinated as it should be. This officer made the point that the criminals sometimes are more adept and adapt to conditions faster than police. True sometimes but it made me stop and think of the achievement we at IAWP have made to create international in-roads...like this conference.

Abu Dhabi is proud of the fact that they are the first Arab State to create legislation around Human Trafficking. Federal Law 51 is intended to create services as well as investigative tools to combat this crime.

I am certainly looking forward to Day 2 at the First Women Police Conference 2012 in Abu Dhabi.

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.

History begins

For many members of the IAWP Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, the journey to create history began earlier this week. We have come from the UK, USA, Australia and Canada to celebrate and take part in the first Emirates Women Police Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.



I was exploring the hotel this morning and came across the conference banner. I found another tourist to snap my picture. I am honoured to be here and take part in this event and want to capture as much of it as I can for you.

IAWP Treasurer Kim Covert was also exploring the hotel.

After breakfast, Steph Harding briefed the group on protocols for the conference and reviewed the agenda. Steph has been instrumental in making this event a reality. She has advised us the women officers will be attending from Jordan, Qatar, Iraq and Oman. Abu Dhabi Police are leading efforts to improve the working conditions for all women in the Gulf States.

After our briefing, I finally had time to pose with my favorite M&Ms, Margaret and Myra. All three of us well rested and ready to take on the rest of the week here in Abu Dhabi so be sure to check back later for further updates!

Question for all of you...

Photo taken at Opening Ceremony, IAWP 2011 conference in Lexington, Kentucky

Besides the fact that officers from each police agency always have delegates at the Annual IAWP Training Conference, what do the the Winnipeg Police Service and Trinidad and Tobago Police have in common?

Both police agencies have worked under the command of Jack Ewatski. Chief Ewatski retired from the Winnipeg Police Service and left for the warmer climate of the Caribbean in 2010. He is now one of three Deputy Commissioner with the national police in T&T.

Winnipeg Winter Wonderland

It is beautiful days like today that makes me wish I could host an IAWP conference in the winter. Today our city woke up to a spectacular covering of frost on the trees that literally sparkles in the sunlight. To add to the experience we are experiencing above average seasonal temperatures so a walk outside is very pleasant. It is only -2 degrees Celsius today!

Well...if I can not bring all of our IAWP friends from warmer regions to winter, then I will do the best I can to share some of it with you with my camera.

Now to share my news with you. These pictures are taken inside of Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park. Inside of this park is the Assiniboine Park Zoo and the home to a new "Journey to Churchill Polar Bear Exhibit" that will open in 2013.

If you are planning to come to Winnipeg in 2014, this exhibit will be worth the trip!

By the way, this photo (above) is the Assiniboine Park Pavilion. And it happens to be only 500 meters from my office! I work at an office in the park! How many people could be that lucky?

Happy February everyone!

New Year...New Beginnings...

Happy New Year everyone!

It gives me great pleasure to announce the retirement of two pioneering women in policing here in Manitoba.

After 34 years, Sergeant Carol Fisher of the Brandon Police Service retired on January 11, 2012. Sergeant Fisher was the first female officer hired to police the city streets in Brandon. Look for more details about Carol's career in an upcoming edition of Women Police.

Superintendent Corrine Scott of the Winnipeg Police Service will retire from policing on January 19, 2012. Corrine is moving on to a new role with the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission. Corrine's career has spanned more than 31 years.

Retirement is the beginning of new life adventures and we wish both of you much success in whatever that adventure is!