Within the framework of cooperation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Department of State the seventh annual four-day International Conference "Women in Policing" is held in Georgia.
The conference was opened by the Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Giorgi Gakharia.
"We, the Government of Georgia, pay great attention to gender equality and protection of women's rights. This is one of the priority tasks for us. We have confirmed this since we have joined the Istanbul Convention, which has resulted in a number of legislative amendments that promote women's involvement in various decision-making processes not only in the police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs but in the whole country. It is very important for us and it is the resource that will help the country in its development and advancement. I would like to note that women's role in the police system is increasing more and more. For example, currently the Ministry works on a very important reform of the so-called district inspector, where we see the principle of women's involvement and we believe that the role of women in this new institution should be even higher. It is of principle importance for us that the role of women in the decision-making process shall be increased and moreover, we have female representatives in high-level management. As you are aware, I have two Deputies today and I want to point out that they are the best, "said Giorgi Gakharia.
The US Ambassador to Georgia Mr. Jan Kelly also delivered a welcoming speech at the conference.
Participants of the event honored the memory of Ms. Maia Javakhishvili, the police officer who died during performing her official duties in Kakheti region.
The event is attended by women police officers from 13 countries: Moldova, Montenegro, Albania, Philippines, Pakistan, Indonesia and etc.
The International Conference aims at raising the qualification of law enforcement officers, raising women's role in police and raising their motivation. During the event by means of practical exercises, female police officers will improve the skills necessary for effective work and share experiences with each other.
