Third Regional Women Conference Commences in Abu Dhabi, Final add

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Koman, Secretary General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council; Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior for Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs; Major General Maktoum Ali Al Shareefi, Acting Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police; Major General Omair Muhammad Al Muhairi, Director General of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police; Major General Dr. Abdul Quddous Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Director General of Total Quality at Dubai Police; and Brigadier Sheikh Mohammed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Director General of Security and Ports Affairs at Abu Dhabi Police.

The ceremony was also attended by Margaret Shorter, President of the International Women Police Association (IWPA) in the United States; directors general; and a large number of police officers. In addition, delegations from women police forces around the world, and 26 IAWP regional directors; Board of Directors of IWPA, and representatives of a number of entities and related authorities were also present.

Major Amnah Mohammed Al Bloushi, Chairwoman of the Specialised Coordinating Committee on Women Police Affairs, Chairwoman of the Emirates Women Police Association (EWPA), delivered a speech by which she said: "We gather here today with a distinguished and elite group of police and security experts and specialists, to discuss pressing issues related to the role of the female police officers and their participation in the security and police tasks and duties, as well as to exchange expertise and the latest international practices in the field."

She added that the conference is a unique event to brainstorm ideas, exchange expertise, and review the latest developments in women police work. It is also an opportunity to promote communication and networking among security organisations. It also serves as a tool to develop the performance in crime fighting and prevention, and to curtail their dangers, and the security challenges of the transnational crimes. She said, "Combating crime is a social collective responsibility that requires concerted efforts and coordination between police agencies around the world."

She also noted that organising this conference in the UAE reflects the vision, the ambition and the aspirations of the higher leadership to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world in terms of safety and security. "It also reflects the world’s confidence in the prominent level attained by our country in organizing international scientific conferences. This conference demonstrates our keenness to be efficient partners and to cooperate and communicate with law enforcement entities around the world, to combat and prevent crimes, as well as activate communication mechanisms among security authorities, exchange expertise and knowledge in order to curtail all types of crime,’ she continued.

Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, Major General Al Rumaithi and the audience enjoyed the Women Police Operetta, and applauded the poem "Woman in the Eyes of the Leaders", penned by poet Faraj bin Hadi Al Mansori and recited by Captain Shamsah Hamad Al Rowahi.

Major General Al Rumaithi honored distinguished women leaders in Arab Ministries of Interior. He also received a commemorative shield from the Secretary General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council, Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Koman.

Major General Dr. Abdul Quddous Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Director General of Total Quality at Dubai Police General Headquarters, also spoke at the conference. He shed the light on the role of Women Police in innovation and excellence, their prestigious achievements and their distinction in handling sensitive security tasks. He cited the example of a number of women who joined the police force since its establishment.

He also pointed out that the conference represents an opportunity for Women Police leaders from around the world and the region, to meet and exchange opinions and ideas. He said: "This would contribute to enriching the security role played by women in enforcing law, maintaining security, and protecting rights of societies.

Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Koman, Secretary General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council, indicated that Women Police enjoyed a great deal of attention from Arab law enforcement agencies, since the seventies in last century. he said: "Previous security conferences have stressed the importance of including female staff members in the police force." He also stressed the commitment of the Arab Interior Ministers Council to hire more women in the various policing sectors.

Margaret Shorter, President of the International Women Police Association (IWPA), talked about Women Police leaders and their role in sustainable development. She praised the achievements made by the Emirati Women Police in various fields, according to the best international security standards.

Colonel Mona Abdulraheem, Women Police Director, Kingdom of Bahrain, gave an overview of her country’s experience with Women Police since its establishment in 1970, which marked a new challenge for Bahraini women.

Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, accompanied by Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Koman, inaugurated the "Women Police Achievements" exhibition, held on the sidelines of the conference, which sheds the light on women police achievements around the world, and the achievements of Arab women police. It also highlights the professional achievements and heroic and distinguished deeds made by women police members during their career, which reflect their excellence and courage while carrying out their tasks and duties.

A significant number of police authorities is taking part in the exhibition, including: the Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters; the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense General Directorate; the Medical Services Department; the Community Police; the Crime Scene Department; the Anti-Corruption Department; the Security Support Department; and the Emergency and Public Safety Department. Also participating are the Police Schools Department; the Punitive and Correctional Institutions Department at Fujairah Police; the Tourism Police Department; the Ministry of Interior’s Centers for Rehabilitation and Employment of People with Special Needs, and the Anti-Narcotics Department.

A number of other authorities, institutions, and strategic partners of Emirates Women Police Association (EWPA) are also taking part in the exhibition.

Source:WAM