Kateryna Pavlichenko: Involvement of women law enforcement officers in peacekeeping operations is an important indicator of gender equality
About this today, September 15, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Kateryna Pavlichenko said during a speech at the V Ukrainian Women's Congress, which takes place in the capital.
During the panel discussion “Women in the Security and Peacekeeping Sector”, participants of the Congress discussed the position of women in the security and defense sector. In particular, progress was highlighted, but also showed the limitations faced by women during military service, especially in the areas of social and health care. The Congress has put on the agenda the issue of involving women in peacekeeping and peace-building in Ukraine and at various levels, especially veterans who have extensive experience and potential in this issue.
The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine noted that the involvement of women in law enforcement and peacekeeping activities is an important indicator of achieving gender equality in the security sphere of Ukraine.
“This is an extremely urgent issue in the context of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Expanding the participation of women in law enforcement and peacekeeping helps prevent the escalation of conflict and violence, and is a key to transparency in the power sector. Creating equal opportunities for women and men in the peacekeeping process enhances the capacity of security and defence sector structures to support the goals and achievements we already have today,” she said.
In addition, Kateryna Pavlichenko said that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine conducts systematic work on ensuring gender balance in the department and in the bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system.
“Today, Ukrainian women working in the bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs take part in international operations to maintain peace and security. We are working to ensure that their number continues to increase,” the deputy minister stressed.
Also, Kateryna Pavlichenko reported that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has undergone structural changes.
“We are monitoring the increase in the number of women in positions in all bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs system, including senior positions. This applies to women police officers, servicemen of the National Guard and the State Border Guard, as well as employees of the State Emergency Service and the Migration Service. Currently, the leadership positions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are headed by about 40% of women,” said the deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
PHOTO by Andriy Novitskogo
