March 8, 2024, marks the celebration of International Women’s Day that is based on the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women, this year’s theme is “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.” Reflecting on this year’s international women’s day theme, the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) has taken significant steps towards gender equality and the ongoing efforts to empower women throughout Indonesia and worldwide.
As part of its commitment to women’s empowerment in law enforcement, JCLEC has delivered a number of programs and events. One of the initiatives JCLEC has taken is successful collaboration, international cooperation, and an everlasting commitment to women’s empowerment through the establishment of the JCLEC Women Alumni Network (WAN) on October 31, 2023. The network focuses on helping women in law enforcement in South and Southeast Asia. The WAN allows women across countries to come together and discuss issues that are relevant to law enforcement.
One of the current issues that WAN tries to address is people smuggling and trafficking in persons. People smuggling and trafficking in persons is an important area where women can make a difference by championing gender-sensitive and victim-centric approaches. Following the issue, invitations for WAN participants were offered with support to attend the JCLEC capacity-building course on transnational organized crime in February 2024. The course is jointly run by New Zealand Police, Customs, and INZ with the aim of enhancing Aotearoa’s cooperation with Southeast Asian law enforcement personnel on transnational organized crime issues.
JCLEC also would like to highlight the notable support from the UK government for the program of Regional Summit: Analysing Women’s Role in Terrorism in Southeast Asia conducted in JCLEC. Through this kind of program, the UK government is not only empowering women but also strengthening law enforcement agencies and promoting gender equality within the criminal justice system.
The opening ceremony of Regional Summit: Analysing Women’s Role in Terrorism in Southeast Asia, 5 – 7 March 2024, a UK Funded Program delivered through JCLEC.
The Regional Summit on Analysing Women’s Role in Terrorism in Southeast Asia serves as a critical milestone in understanding and addressing women issue. By recognizing the diverse roles and motivations of women involved in extremist movements, policymakers can develop more effective and inclusive strategies for countering terrorism in the region. Empowering women as agents of change is not only a matter of security but also a fundamental step towards building resilient and inclusive societies.
By investing in the professional development of the law enforcement officers, the impact of these initiatives will go beyond individuals. The more women rise to leadership positions within law enforcement, the more values and changes they could advocate for within their communities. They will inspire other women to pursue careers in law enforcement, challenge traditional gender norms, and contribute to more inclusive policing practices.
Finally, on this International Women’s Day, JCLEC, along with its donors and sponsors, would like to reaffirm its commitment to investing in women and advancing gender equality in law enforcement.
Together, let us “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.”