On International Women’s Day (Friday, March 8), Dyfed-Powys Police is joining the ‘HeForShe’ campaign.

The aim of International Woman’s Day this year is ‘Balance for Better’ which, while celebrating women’s achievements, also calls for a more gender-balanced world.

‘HeForShe’ is an invitation for people of all genders to stand together to create a bold, visible and united force for a gender equal world. It is a worldwide movement for gender equality, with the aim of engaging and encouraging men and boys to take action against the gender inequality which women across the world face.

Dyfed-Powys Police Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Richard Lewis, force lead for the ‘HeForShe’ campaign said: “As a force, we recognise the benefits of employing a diverse workforce – a workforce who can bring their own personal experiences and values to work with them. A workforce which is productive, innovative and above all, inclusive.

"As such, I want to encourage staff and officers to progress within the force. It is recognised that as a force, there is underrepresentation across all strands of diversity, especially in terms of the progression of females, of our diverse communities, our black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) employees, employees with a disability and LGBT employees.

“Our progression strategy works towards developing a workforce which is truly representative of the communities that we serve across all ranks and specialisms by: removing barriers to progression identified by our workforce and national research; and positively supporting our diverse workforce to seek progression within the force – focusing on ability rather than disability, or perceived inability to undertake roles.

“Although we have seen improvements over the years in terms of recruiting more female staff and officers to the police service, there is still some way to go before we are truly representative across all ranks.”

Temporary Chief Insp Louise Harries, force women’s network said: “We are delighted that Dyfed-Powys has launched the ‘HeForShe’ campaign and it is particularly welcomed on International Women’s Day."

The Female Support Network is committed to raising issues affecting women in the workforce and continues to have the support from senior officers in doing so. This event is evident of that support and the commitment Dyfed-Powys Police has made to being an inclusive and representative workforce.”

For more information visit the website: https://www.heforshe.org/en