President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has praised the increasing number of women in the country’s security forces.
Speaking at an event marking the end of Women’s Month, Ramaphosa said that women are now taking their rightful place in the police and security services.
“We have come a long way since the first women were accepted into the police over 50 years ago,” he said. “Today, women are increasingly present in national intervention units, special task forces, bomb disposal units, and other specialized units.”
Ramaphosa also noted that more and more women are becoming pilots, forensic analysts, and corrections officials.
“There should no longer be any area of police and security work that is closed to women,” he said.
Addressing the Integrated Women in Law Enforcement Parade #MakingCommunitiesSafer https://t.co/n2rwMEh63G
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 31, 2023The president called on all South Africans to support the women who are working to keep the country safe.
“We have much further to go towards making gender equality a reality in all workplaces,” he said. “But our integrated law enforcement agencies are leading the way.”
The event was attended by women from all over South Africa, including police officers, soldiers, firefighters, and corrections officials.
The women spoke about the challenges they face in their work, but they also expressed their pride in serving their country.
“We are making a difference,” said one police officer. “We are helping to make South Africa a safer place for everyone.”
“We must continue to fight for gender equality in all spheres of life,” said Ramaphosa. “We must create a society where women can reach their full potential.”
