The Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) has launched its five-year Gender Strategy to promote gender equality in the police and in its services to society. Developed in coordination with UN Women and with technical support from EUPOL COPPS, this comprehensive and innovative action framework proposes a clear and budgeted work plan to tackle recruitment and retention policies. It covers areas such as design of facilities, training, and enhanced cooperation to encourage more women to consider a police career. The rate of women in the PCP is currently at 3.75%.

Major General Atallah, PCP Chief, stressed the police’s belief in the importance of having more women accessing their services, and their commitment to providing services that respond to the needs of different segments of society, thereby enhancing trust and the credibility of the institution.

Concrete steps have already been taken to address these challenges, such as integrating aspects of the Strategy in key PCP departments’ work plans, the development and adoption of job descriptions and a formal structure for the PCP Gender Unit, and appointing 11 gender coordinators across districts and headquarters.

EUPOL COPPS’ Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Lena Larsson, said: “By supporting the gender unit and approving the new PCP Gender Strategy, the Chief of Police is advancing the idea that integrating a strong gender perspective in the services provided and increasing the number of women within the police to facilitate this objective, is an absolute necessity for establishing a modern Palestinian Civil Police.”

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Press release

EUPOL COPPS – website

EU Technical Office in Jerusalem 

The European Union and the Palestinians – Facebook page

EU Neighbours South – Palestine