Women cops vital for PNG

 By ARMSTRONG SAIYAMA 

WOMEN police officers can make a difference to the operations of the constabulary, Australian Federal Police (AFP) assistant commissioner Mandy Newton says.

“It is a challenge for women in any country to ensure a balance of people in the police force to represent the general broader community,” she said.

Newton said she was pleased to see six female officers graduating as commissioned officers last Friday. 

They were among a group of 34 cadets who had completed two years of training at the Bomana Police College.

“It doubled the number of women officers we have here,” she said.

Newton said domestic violence and sexual assaults were issues that women faced in their lives.

“Women need to report crimes to ensure justice takes place. 

“I encourage women to speak out and to support each other,” she said.

Newton added that PNG women had the power to take leadership roles and to mobilise and resolve these issues.

“When many voices come together, you have the large capabilities,” she said.

Newton reiterated that the Australian government was committed to helping women in the Pacific.

“Australian prime minister Julia Gillard is supporting Pacific women to address these issues,” she said.