International Women's Day

This day has been observed since the early 1900's when there was great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw population growth and a rise in radical ideologies.  Of course much has changed and on this day annually thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and to celebrate their achievements.  Indeed in my lifetime there have been significant 'firsts'; female astronauts, Prime Ministers, Chief Police Officers and others in senior positions in the public service.  There has also been new legislation and work place practices that support women to work and have a family, and enjoy greater career choices.

In recognition of this day, I am taking the opportunity to meet briefly this afternoon with a number of my female colleagues to hear more about their role and experiences within the Service.  Things are very different now to when I joined 31 years ago, and many of these women will also have seen a sea change in the opportunities available to women within the Police Service.

It is also difficult on such a day to not think about the violence and abuse suffered by women.  Sadly whilst the law affords females greater protection now than at probably any time before, violence against and the exploitation of women is still common place locally, nationally and internationally.

I was appalled to listen to the Prime Minister speak earlier this week about the risk to young women and girls in the United Kingdom from female genital mutilation.  It is estimated that worldwide 140 million women, most of them young girls, have experienced this barbaric and inhumane practice.  It is just unbelievable that in some countries this practice is actually legalised.  The UK government is hoping to reduce the practice by 30%, home and abroad, over the next five years and this is to be welcomed.  Whilst I am not aware of any identified cases of this nature within Northern Ireland, I have no doubt that it is a possibility.  The Police Service of Northern Ireland have officers who have been trained to deal with these hugely sensitive crimes and can support investigations and victims accordingly.

Recent successes in the fight against human traffickers in Northern Ireland are also to be welcomed.  I know that great efforts have been made by my colleagues in Crime Operations Department to make Northern Ireland a hostile place for these organised criminals.  In the past few years the Police Service of Northern Ireland has rescued over 80 victims of human trafficking.  This is an ever emerging issue which ultimately funds the activities of serious and organised crime gangs.  We constantly  look for signs of this activity as we go about our daily duties.

You may ask yourself as a concerned member of the public of Northern Ireland what can I do about these terrible crimes, and how can I assist and support the police?   We know that there are many people who see and hear things but for whatever reason just either don't want to get involved or do not know how to.

If you are concerned about a women or child, or indeed anyone, who may be suffering abuse of any sort or if you see any activity which appears suspicious, then you can assist us by bringing this to our attention.  We are very happy to follow up on information received and would much rather explore something and find that everything is alright than have someone get seriously hurt or worse, when this could have been prevented.

International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and girls, to ensure that they are protected and respected, and achieve their true potential in today's changing and challenging world.