Celebrating International Women’s Day

This week (Saturday, 8 March) marks International Women’s Day – a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Recognised across the world, International Women’s Day also brings attention issues such as gender, equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

From Firearms Officers to Dog Handlers, Detectives to Custody Nurses, the Corporate Communications Team to the Control Room, PCSO’s to volunteers – over half of our workforce (51.4%) are female employees, doing a variety of roles within North Wales Police, working around the clock supporting our communities.

North Wales Police Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, who is also President of the British Association of Women in Policing said: “We’re proud to support International Women’s Day here at North Wales Police and showcase all the fabulous women we have working in a variety of police officer, police staff and volunteer roles across the organisation.

“I joined West Mercia Police in 1992 and have been blessed with the opportunity to take on a number of different challenges in policing. When I first joined, it was very much a male-dominated environment. A lot of the things I found challenging was the balance of having a family and being a Mum and also being a Police Officer. The way policing was done didn’t accommodate at all the need for flexible working or the need for changes to shift patterns, so that time was really challenging and tiring. But we now offer a greater opportunity for people to be able to give and serve and also be the important person they want to be in their families’ lives.

“I’m inspired by the many brilliant women we have here at North Wales Police in different roles, from the Roads Crime Team to Scientific Support, Welsh Language Unit, Dog Handlers and emergency call handlers to name just a few.

“The number of women working for North Wales Police is increasing and we have seen an increase of 7.1% in female police officers from 37.5% in March 2019 to 44.6% of officers being female in March 2024. We have the second highest representation in the UK. The number of female officers at most ranks has also increased since 2009, however we are not complacent and know we have more work to do to recruit more female police officers.

“Initiatives such as part-time working, agile working and flexible hours are enabling more women to remain in the workplace whilst balancing a career with caring for families.

“A career in policing offers fantastic opportunities, and I would encourage women thinking of joining us to visit the Careers page on our website and apply.”

Temporary Chief Superintendent Jason Devonport, Chair of the North Wales Police Gender Equality Network Executive Team said: “March 8^th marks International Women’s Day - this is a day to celebrate the achievements of women across the world.

“The Gender Equality Network are immensely proud of our inspirational female colleagues across North Wales Police and our extended policing family; doing extraordinary work and delivering an excellent service to our communities every day. As a network, we continue to work hard to ensure our workforce is inclusive and reflective of our local populations; whilst supporting our talented and brilliant staff in the organisation to reach their full potential.”

If you are inspired to be part of #TeamNWP we are currently recruiting for a variety of roles. To find out more about our fantastic career opportunities please visit Careers | North Wales Police

Follow #NWPWomen #IWD2025 and #AccelerateAction via social media for updates.

More information regarding IWD 2025 is available via their website: International Women's Day 2025