This was emphasized by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denys Monastyrskyi at the Interregional Conference “Break Stereotypes, Knowing Yourself”, which is held for the first time at the initiative of the Ukrainian Association of Women in Law Enforcement (UAWLE) in a cooperation with UN Women (UN Women).

The teleconference is broadcasting live from 5 cities: Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Poltava, Mariupol and Lviv. The event brought together law enforcement officials, experts in the field of gender equality, peace and security, as well as international partners to discuss the challenges and obstacles faced by women law enforcement officers in their work and service, ways and experiences to overcome such challenges as well as success stories and practical recommendations.

The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denys Monastyrskyi addressed the audience with a welcoming speech.

“A change in attitudes and an increase in the level of trust in law enforcement agencies is indeed possible and occurs, including through the presence of women in law enforcement agencies. The issue of a woman's presence, for example in the patrol police, is always more about resolving the conflict than aggravating it. Therefore, the creation of equal rights and opportunities for women and men in law enforcement agencies is one of the priority tasks in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine”, – the Minister said.

The Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that the Ukrainian Association of Women in Law Enforcement (UAWLE), chaired by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Kateryna Pavlichenko, is the initiator of major changes in law enforcement agencies, and more.

“I can assure you that any opportunities necessary for the development of this movement within the Ministry will be provided. Not only within the National Police, but also in the ranks of the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and other bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. I am convinced that employees of the Security Service of Ukraine and the prosecutor's office, who are also involved in protecting the rights and freedoms of Ukrainian citizens, will join our initiative”, – the Minister added.

In turn, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Kateryna Pavlichenko stressed that the Interregional Conference “Destroy Stereotypes, Knowing Yourself” is timed to the Day of Defenders of Ukraine.

“Two years ago, the Ukrainian Association of Women in Law Enforcement (UAWLE) was one of the initiators of changes to the name of the national holiday – Day of Defenders of Ukraine, taking into account gender equality. In July of this year, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported the relevant changes and I am confident that these changes will really make Ukrainian women who defend Ukraine more visible in society and recognize their contribution to the protection of sovereignty, statehood and territorial integrity.

For reference: The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine employs  97 women who have been granted the status of participants in hostilities for participation in the anti-terrorist operation / environmental protection, 7 – for participation in other countries.

In the National Guard of Ukraine – 1367 women who were granted the status of participants in hostilities for participation in the anti-terrorist operation / environmental protection, 1 – for participation in other countries.

In the National Police of Ukraine – 2009 women who were granted the status of a participant in hostilities for participation in the anti-terrorist operation / environmental protection, 2 – for participation in other countries, 14 – have the status of a family member of the deceased defender of Ukraine.

In the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine – 1120 women who have been granted the status of a participant in hostilities for participation in the anti-terrorist operation / environmental protection, 2 – for participation in other states, 16 – have the status of a family member of the deceased (missing) defender of Ukraine.

In the State Emergency Service of Ukraine – 323 women who have been granted the status of a participant in hostilities for participation in the anti-terrorist operation / environmental protection, 10 – have the status of a family member of the deceased defender of Ukraine.

You can watch the video at the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAM0UI2wZhI

Department of Communication of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine