Niël Terblanche
The Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) Executive Women Leadership Workshop held in Swakopmund on Tuesday set the stage for a new era in regional policing.
The workshop will effect change through leadership while also aiming to inspire communities and create a legacy for future generations of women leaders in the SARPCCO region.
The workshop was a convergence point for senior female leaders in policing, aiming to break traditional barriers, strengthen regional collaboration, and craft a vision for more inclusive leadership across Southern Africa.
The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo inaugurated the event with a call for unity and gender equality.
He acknowledged the challenges that female officers face in law enforcement, citing gender biases and limited opportunities.
“This workshop is more than a gathering. It is a platform where women leaders in policing come together to share their experiences, craft strategies, and build a collective vision for a brighter, more inclusive future,” he said
Shikongo reiterated the essential role of female perspectives in enhancing public safety and resilience within communities.
He added that the workshop aims to cultivate a support network for women in policing, addressing the evolving nature of security threats in the region.
“Collaboration does not only make us stronger; it makes us smarter,” Shikongo said while stressing the value of collective experience and innovative problem-solving among female leaders.
Emma Theofelus, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, while delivering the keynote address, called for a transformative approach to women’s leadership in policing.
“Empowering women in leadership is a necessity, not a choice,” she said while pointing out the need for inclusivity in regional security efforts.
According to Theofelus, such empowerment enables women to take their rightful place in leadership and harness the full potential of our societies to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
She also touched upon the importance of dismantling barriers such as discrimination and restricted access to mentorship, which often hinder women’s advancement.
The minister appealed for a shared commitment from both men and women to create environments where equity can flourish.
“These are not issues for women alone to solve; they require the commitment of all leaders — men and women alike,” she urged.
Lucia Witbooi, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, acknowledged the vital role women play in achieving more inclusive justice.
“Women bring unique perspectives, solutions, and resilience to the field of public safety and security,” she said while stressing that their leadership benefits communities and enhances justice.
Witbooi also pointed out that the advancement of women in policing is not merely an institutional obligation but a broader societal imperative.
“This workshop serves not only to revitalise the Women’s Network within SARPCCO but also to reinforce strategies that foster collaboration, leadership, and mutual support,” she said.
Witbooi called on participants to share insights, learn from each other, and collectively explore innovative solutions that can strengthen law enforcement across the region.
She urged delegates to engage in discussions to identify and address the obstacles faced by female leaders in policing.
“Let us continue to support and uplift one another, to inspire those who follow in our footsteps, and to lead with a vision for a safer, more equitable future for all,” Witbooi said.
