British Policewoman Brings 13 Afghan Women to Helmand Police Force
This is definitely an interesting and promising development for the nation. As Sergeant McManus herself states, it is often difficult for women to be heard when there are not other women in the local law enforcement who understand the issues that affect them or how to handle those issues.
Of course, another hurdle that must be tackled is giving the women of Helmand and other provinces good, clear, unbiased, information as to what their legal rights are and what constitutes a crime.
Though there is no doubt that simply having officers who look like them on the force will help the women of Helmand feel more compelled to voice their legal concerns:
Sergeant Isabella McManus, 45, has served with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) police for 22 years but decided to give herself a new challenge and volunteered to serve in Helmand, southern Afghanistan, as a mentor and adviser to the local force.
A total of 13 women have joined the police force in Helmand and today four of them started a two-month police training course in Kabul – the first time that women from the province have attended the course.
Speaking from Afghanistan, Ms McManus, who is from Dalry, North Ayrshire, said: “It wasn‘t my job to start mentoring the women specifically but they struck a chord with me. They were ignored entirely at the police headquarters and it wasn‘t right.
“They needed a uniform giving them some status and they needed training and equipment. I’ve fought those battles for them every step of the way and we are getting somewhere. The women are empowered and it‘s great to see.”
The gun-carrying women police officers have classroom lessons and training on firing ranges.
Brit policewoman pushing equality in Helmand [Twitter]