Zambia Police Service Reaffirms Commitment to Gov’t Policies and Gender Equality
The Zambia Police Service has reiterated its dedication to advancing government policies that promote national development, regional security cooperation, and gender equality. This reaffirmation was made by Zambia Police Service Commissioner for Administration, Susan Malundu, during the Regional Women Network Champions workshop in South Africa.
The workshop, attended by women leaders from various law enforcement agencies, focused on fostering gender inclusivity and strengthening border security. Commissioner Malundu highlighted Zambia’s progress in appointing women to key leadership roles within the police service, ensuring a diverse and competent approach to law enforcement and regional security.
“Our strategy integrates gender equality across all facets of Zambian society, reinforcing the government’s vision of inclusive governance and sustainable peace,” she stated.
A key agenda of the workshop was the 2021–2025 Women’s Network Sub-Committee Strategic Plan, which prioritizes capacity-building for women in law enforcement to enhance leadership and operational effectiveness. This initiative aligns with Zambia’s commitment to regional and international best practices in security cooperation and gender mainstreaming.
Participants engaged in discussions on policy, programming, and operational challenges affecting women in law enforcement. Commissioner Malundu stressed the significance of equipping women officers with leadership skills to address gender imbalances, promote harm reduction, and strengthen regional security frameworks.
“By fostering a collaborative network, women officers can collectively develop strategies to tackle systemic issues, further strengthening regional security,” she added.
Chief Investigations Officer at the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Inutu Maureen Soonga, commended the Zambian government for sponsoring her participation in the workshop.
She emphasized the importance of integrating gender perspectives into harm reduction strategies, stating that the event provided a platform to amplify the voices of women and gender minorities in law enforcement.
“This platform has strengthened the capacity of women officers through knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement, ultimately enhancing regional security efforts,” Ms. Soonga said.
The Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) acknowledged Zambia’s commitment to fostering regional peace, security, and stability. It also reaffirmed its appreciation for member states’ dedication to advancing policing objectives in alignment with INTERPOL frameworks.
