Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

PNG Police women revive Women's Advisory Network

Police women are becoming more vocal about the need for improvement in workplace culture and the treatment of women both within the police force and the broader community.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary recently revived its Women’s Advisory Network (WAN), which is strengthening the skillsets of members, as part of its effort to improve work conditions for female officers and the quality of community police services.

The organisation is volunteer driven and provides an advocacy platform for police women to address issues such as harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

90 policewomen were among the list of police officers promoted this year, which is a record number for the RPNGC who are continuing to support female officers as positive change agents within the police force.

More than 40 female police officers from around the country attended a workshop in Port Moresby recently to enhance their leadership, organisational and advocacy skills.

Wewak participants Maria Phia and Angelina Mot confirmed that police women face a range of issues in the workplace.

These include sexual harassment, being overlooked for promotion, being allocated inadequate accommodation (or in some cases, no accommodation at all) and having to deal with spouses who were not supportive of their careers.

RPNGC Commissioner Gari Baki acknowledged the contribution of police women in the force and urged them to continue to be agents of change within the organisation.

Speaking at the conclusion of the workshop, Mr Baki said WAN members were part of a “global network of police women who are boldly stepping forward without fear and pressing through all obstacles for progress and much needed change."

Inspector Anne Drakum, who is the first woman to reach this rank in Wabag, Enga Province, said the information and skills gained at the workshop would be valuable in promoting the interests and concerns of women within the police force.

The meeting finalised WAN’s constitution, which was presented to Mr Baki at its conclusion.

Australian High Commission Counsellor, Law and Justice, Gina Wilson, said finalising the constitution was “a major milestone that further enhances the role the Network will play supporting women in the police force and shaping the RPNGC itself.”

This initiative has been supported by the Australian Government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Program.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100

Female police officers doing a presentation during the recent WAN workshop in Port Moresby.