Director-General/Executive Director
Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Negm, Deputy Assistant Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Excellency, Ambassador Louis Dumas of Canada to Egypt,
Distinguished guests,
I am very pleased to welcome you today on behalf of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to the opening of the “Leadership Workshop for Women working in Airports and Ports in Africa and the Middle East,” bringing together participants from 12 countries.
This event marks an important milestone as it is the first time to bring key partners in Africa and the Middle East together on this subject and a significant step in our collective journey towards achieving gender equality and empowering women in law enforcement, a goal deeply embedded in the core mission of UNODC and a guiding principle in the way the Passenger and Cargo Border Team implements its activities with its partners.
Gender equality is both a fundamental human right and the foundation for building more inclusive societies and accelerating progress across all sustainable development goals.
The UNODC Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, which aligns with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, underscores the necessity of both gender mainstreaming and gender-targeted approaches.
We are committed to embedding these principles in all aspects of our work, particularly in our efforts to combat organized crime and enhance security at ports and airports.
Excellencies,
The role of women in law enforcement, especially within border management agencies, cannot be overstated.
For too long now, law enforcement, particularly at borders, has been viewed as a male-dominated profession, with several barriers making the participation of women more difficult.
This hinders effective border management and our common fight against all forms of cross-border, in particular at airports and seaports.
Indeed, gender-sensitive policing is crucial for effective crime prevention and investigation.
The participation of women in law enforcement teams enhances investigative capabilities, boosts the confidence of both the team and the public, and sends a strong message to criminal actors attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in our systems.
Yet, women representation remains far too low.
Currently, while in Africa and the Middle East, the participation rate of women in the Passenger and Cargo Border Team Units is 43% in East Africa, it falls to 22% in West and Central Africa, and just 12% in the Middle East and North Africa. And globally, women make up only 20% of border unit leaders.
Women also often lack access to opportunities to gain experience and grow.
A recent Gender Survey by UNODC’s Passenger and Cargo Border Team revealed that 50% of African and Middle Eastern women respondents felt they had not received sufficient gender-related training, and a quarter believed leadership roles were not distributed equally.
It is imperative that we address these disparities head-on and create an enabling environment where women can thrive, advance, and lead.
Today’s workshop is a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering such an environment.
The focus will be on developing essential leadership and mentorship skills, enhancing cross-continental collaboration, and building a robust network of female law enforcement agents.
Through interactive sessions, we aim to equip you with the tools needed to inspire and mentor the next generation of women in law enforcement.
Women supporting women is an essential element in gender empowerment, recognizing that collective progress rests on mutual empowerment and solidarity.
The aim of this event is to empower you, senior women officers, to become effective mentors, guiding and supporting your younger colleagues within your fields.
By fostering a culture of mentorship and support, we not only help individual women succeed but also create a ripple effect that strengthens our institutions and communities.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants and trainers who have gathered here today to contribute to this critical initiative. Your dedication and hard work are vital to the success of our mission.
Together, we can make a significant impact, both within our respective regions and globally, by setting a precedent for gender equality and empowerment in law enforcement.
The continental aspect of this workshop is also key, as it will allow you to create bonds beyond borders that will hopefully lead to improved coordination in the performance of your important duties.
I would also like to extend a special note of appreciation to Canada, the European Union, and the US for their generous support in making this initiative possible.
And to our host, my home country Egypt, the seat of our Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, I convey our utmost gratitude for the warm welcome and your participation today.
In closing, this event and UNODC’s efforts in gender empowerment are not just about immediate impact; they are designed to foster long-term, sustainable development within law enforcement, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead.
Thank you and I wish you a successful workshop.
