Theo keen to see a woman in charge of Namibian police
Theofelus keen to see a woman lead Namibian police
Namibia's police chief Joseph Shikongo said women's perspectives and skills are vital in addressing the multifaceted security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies across the region.
The challenges facing women in law enforcement leadership were the central theme at the opening of the four-day Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) executive women leadership and management workshop, which began on Tuesday in Swakopmund.
The workshop aims to equip senior female police officers with modern leadership skills and promote diversity in law enforcement.
Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo said women’s perspectives and skills are vital in addressing today’s multifaceted security challenges.
“The resilience and unique contributions women bring to leadership positions are essential for building safer, more cohesive communities. It is our duty as leaders to recognise, support, and integrate these contributions into every level of our policing structures,” Shikongo said.
He acknowledged persistent barriers, such as gender biases, unequal opportunities and societal expectations, that limit women’s advancement within police ranks.
“Your task at this workshop is to identify these barriers and find practical solutions to overcome them. We owe it to the women currently serving in law enforcement and to the future generations who will follow in their footsteps,” he said.
Worrying trend
Simbarashe Manjera, representing the SADC secretariat, highlighted the importance of empowering women working in law enforcement to combat transnational organised crime, adding that their involvement improves police services and public trust.
Manjera expressed concern over the low participation of female police officers in regional initiatives.
“These trainings enhance the capacity of officers to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, review the implementation of the SADC protocol on firearms and combat illicit drug trafficking, among other goals. The chronic underrepresentation of women in these efforts is a worrying phenomenon,” he added.
Manjera urged SADC member states to address social, cultural, economic and religious norms that condone gender stereotypes, perpetuate gender-based violence and hinder women’s participation in law enforcement leadership.
Top of the ranks
Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus delivered the keynote address, calling for strengthened collaboration among women leaders in policing across the SADC region.
“We understand that challenges such as crime, violence and evolving security threats require coordinated efforts. No single country or leader can address these issues alone,” she said.
She said she is optimistic about the increasing representation of women in leadership, hinting at the possibility of a woman succeeding Shikongo.
“With Namibia on the verge of having a female commander-in-chief of the armed forces soon, I believe it’s only a matter of time before we see a female inspector general in the Namibian police force. If I see a female president in my lifetime, I surely want to see a woman inspector general as well.”
Dismantle barriers
The minister stressed the importance of addressing barriers that hinder women’s progress in leadership roles.
“Across the SARPCCO region and beyond, women still face challenges such as discrimination, limited access to mentorship and the pressures of balancing professional and family responsibilities. These are not issues for women to solve alone; they require the commitment of all leaders – men and women alike – to create an equitable environment,” she noted.
Theofelus encouraged workshop participants to openly discuss these challenges and develop strategies to dismantle them.
“We will challenge stereotypes, reshape narratives and build an inclusive future where every woman has the opportunity to lead and succeed. The advent of technology offers us new opportunities. As women leaders, we must embrace these changes, acquire new skills and adapt to the times. Facing rising cyber threats, women must take the lead in safeguarding our communities,” she said.
The workshop aims to equip senior female police officers with modern leadership skills and promote diversity in law enforcement.
Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo said women’s perspectives and skills are vital in addressing today’s multifaceted security challenges.
“The resilience and unique contributions women bring to leadership positions are essential for building safer, more cohesive communities. It is our duty as leaders to recognise, support, and integrate these contributions into every level of our policing structures,” Shikongo said.
He acknowledged persistent barriers, such as gender biases, unequal opportunities and societal expectations, that limit women’s advancement within police ranks.
“Your task at this workshop is to identify these barriers and find practical solutions to overcome them. We owe it to the women currently serving in law enforcement and to the future generations who will follow in their footsteps,” he said.
Worrying trend
Simbarashe Manjera, representing the SADC secretariat, highlighted the importance of empowering women working in law enforcement to combat transnational organised crime, adding that their involvement improves police services and public trust.
Manjera expressed concern over the low participation of female police officers in regional initiatives.
“These trainings enhance the capacity of officers to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, review the implementation of the SADC protocol on firearms and combat illicit drug trafficking, among other goals. The chronic underrepresentation of women in these efforts is a worrying phenomenon,” he added.
Manjera urged SADC member states to address social, cultural, economic and religious norms that condone gender stereotypes, perpetuate gender-based violence and hinder women’s participation in law enforcement leadership.
Top of the ranks
Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus delivered the keynote address, calling for strengthened collaboration among women leaders in policing across the SADC region.
“We understand that challenges such as crime, violence and evolving security threats require coordinated efforts. No single country or leader can address these issues alone,” she said.
She said she is optimistic about the increasing representation of women in leadership, hinting at the possibility of a woman succeeding Shikongo.
“With Namibia on the verge of having a female commander-in-chief of the armed forces soon, I believe it’s only a matter of time before we see a female inspector general in the Namibian police force. If I see a female president in my lifetime, I surely want to see a woman inspector general as well.”
Dismantle barriers
The minister stressed the importance of addressing barriers that hinder women’s progress in leadership roles.
“Across the SARPCCO region and beyond, women still face challenges such as discrimination, limited access to mentorship and the pressures of balancing professional and family responsibilities. These are not issues for women to solve alone; they require the commitment of all leaders – men and women alike – to create an equitable environment,” she noted.
Theofelus encouraged workshop participants to openly discuss these challenges and develop strategies to dismantle them.
“We will challenge stereotypes, reshape narratives and build an inclusive future where every woman has the opportunity to lead and succeed. The advent of technology offers us new opportunities. As women leaders, we must embrace these changes, acquire new skills and adapt to the times. Facing rising cyber threats, women must take the lead in safeguarding our communities,” she said.
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