The Malawi Police Service has taken a step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity with the development of a gender policy.

Developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, UN Women, and the Embassy of Ireland, the policy aims to address the underrepresentation of women in the police force and improve its response to gender-based violence.

Speaking to the media at a consultation workshop, consultant Dr. Benedetta Malunga, a lecturer in law at the University of Malawi, stated that the policy will promote intentional recruitment and capacity building to achieve a balance between male and female officers.

"The policy has identified key areas that need to be addressed, including the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and the need for intentional recruitment and capacity building," said Malunga.

She emphasized that the policy has pinpointed critical areas requiring attention, such as the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and the necessity for targeted recruitment and capacity building.

"We need to prioritize intentional recruitment and capacity building to address the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions," she added. "This policy has the potential to make a significant impact on promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the police service and the broader community."

By promoting gender and human rights due diligence, the police will ensure that all operations and activities are conducted in a manner that respects and promotes human rights and gender equality, she noted.

Other areas of focus include gender and governance, which promotes women's participation in leadership positions and decision-making processes within the police service; the rights of women, which enhances the police service's response to gender-based violence and promotes women's rights; and resource mobilization, which ensures that the police service has the necessary resources to implement the policy and promote gender equality.

Regarding leadership, the policy seeks to strengthen leadership and accountability within the police service to promote gender equality and inclusivity.

"We hope the policy will lead to increased gender equality initiatives within the Malawi Police Service, an increase in the recruitment of women, and a more effective approach to addressing gender-based violence," said Ronan Sweeney, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in Lilongwe.

He added that the Embassy of Ireland is committed to supporting the Malawi Police Service in promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence, especially as the country approaches the September 16 general elections.

"The policy is a critical step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the police service. We need to ensure that all stakeholders are sensitized and aligned with the policy to make it effective," said Violet Magwaya, Commissioner of Police responsible for Human Resources and Development.

She said that, as a vital tool for promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the police service, senior managers will ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with its objectives.

"We need to work together to implement this policy effectively and address the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. This policy will help us better respond to gender-based violence and promote women's rights, ultimately enhancing community trust."

The policy adds to other critical instruments in the police service, including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy and the Strategic Development Plan.