Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) 28 February - 1 March 2024
In a resounding effort to promote diversity, women's empowerment and female leadership within law enforcement, the Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT) recently concluded its Second Regional Women's Network Meeting for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Held in Santo Domingo in the lead up to International Women's Day, the event was made possible through the collaborative support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic and the Government of Canada.
Representatives from eleven countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Paraguay, participated in the dialogue aimed at fostering inclusivity, empowerment and freedom from discrimination for women in the law enforcement sector—a field traditionally dominated by men.
Building upon the success of the previous regional meeting, the 2024 PCBT Women's Regional Meeting utilized a collaborative methodology, emphasizing networking among participants and the sharing of experiences. Critical topics addressed during the sessions included enhancing the role of women officers in PCBT units, increasing their participation in decision-making and leadership positions, promoting women's empowerment policies in security matters and sharing advancements, challenges and best practices. Additionally, the meeting focused on strengthening skills in data collection, analysis and reporting with a perspective addressing the needs of women, as well as fostering an inclusive organizational culture within the units.
The Director of Security and Defense of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Ramón Quiñones, opened the meeting and invited delegates from LAC to take advantage of the event "to share and strengthen the efforts they are making from our respective institutions against organized transnational crime." Ambassador Jacqueline DeLima Baril, representing Canada in the Dominican Republic, expressed appreciation for the convening organizations' leadership, stating, "we are pleased to be part of joint efforts to combat transnational organized crime, prevent and respond to illicit drug trafficking, as well as to improve border security and facilitate legitimate trade, promoting the role of female officers in this very important work."
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