On 30th April 2024, UN Women conducted an online meeting and presentation with the ASEANAPOL Secretariat. The meeting was initiated by Ms. Lea Angela Biason, Programme Specialist in Gender-responsive Policing from the Ending Violence Against Women Section (EVAW), Policy, Programme, and Intergovernmental Division (PPID) at UN Women, and was attended by Assistant Superintendent of Police Nithia Perumal under the supervision of
ASEANAPOL Secretariat Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan.
The meeting began with a presentation by Ms. Biason on the "Handbook on Gender-Responsive Police Services: For Women and Girls Subject to Violence 2021." In her presentation, she emphasized the key points of Gender-responsive Policing (GRP), which include considering the differing needs of women and girls, men and boys; ensuring that both men and women enjoy equality of opportunity; recognizing the importance of GRP in addressing all crimes; considering the needs of the community in all its diversity; and building trust and confidence in local communities, which impacts all crimes, not just violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The session primarily focused on the planned project partnership that UN Women aims to implement in collaboration with ASEANAPOL. During the brainstorming session, the possible entry points for collaboration in supporting Gender-responsive Policing in the Asia Pacific region were discussed. UN Women is expecting to formalize a high-level Inter-Ministerial Network on Gender-responsive Policing through ASEANAPOL. Furthermore, UN Women hopes that the Inter-Ministerial Network will serve as an excellent platform to share effective practices, learn from others, and, most importantly, forge partnerships toward common goals of peace and stability, nationally, regionally, and internationally.
In the discussion, UN Women expressed a particular interest in identifying Regional Hubs or Regional Champions who would be able to lead in contextualizing the work of the Network according to the topics of interest in the region. It was suggested that ASEANAPOL could serve as a pilot role model in this regard. The work includes coordinating with Member States from the region on information about Network events (online/in-person), organizing joint events (webinars), and facilitating partnerships on implementing Gender-responsive Policing, including training, capacity building, and institutional strengthening. All members of the Network will have access to the online Community of Practice/Learning Hub.
A platform at UN Women is ready for use where Network members can connect online and organize virtual meetings, webinars, and discussion forums. Membership could include government institutions at the Ministerial level or their alternate representations – Head of National Police; as well as, the nomination of technical-level focal points.
Ms. Biason highlighted that there are no costs involved in becoming part of the Network. Each member would be responsible for the costs incurred for their participation (e.g., travel/accommodation and other related costs for in-person meetings; internet connection costs for online events).
In conclusion, UN Women has high expectations for ASEANAPOL to be a partner in establishing collaboration and is seeking the support and assistance that ASEANAPOL can offer to the envisaged high-level Inter-Ministerial Network on Gender-responsive Policing.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe”