In its ongoing efforts to strengthening rule of law institutions in the region, the African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) sponsored on 20 December the launching of the Sudanese Police Women Network in El Fasher, North Darfur.

The establishment of the network will help addressing issues related to women and children and creating the basis of a unified force, which will be able to support and reinforce the actions of its members. Also, it will provide a platform for internal interaction and exchanging of ideas and strategies.

UNAMID through its female police network provided a number of skills-building activities, in areas of gender-based violence, human rights, rule of law and management, to enhance the local women police capacity and create enabling environment for women police to take a leading responsibility in providing support to local communities.

In a ceremony held at Al-Zubai Stadium, UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative Mohamed Yonis praised the initiative. “This Women Police Network is one of our greatest achievements and I call on all in Darfur to support its members. As in all countries of the world, the women are the backbone of society,” he said.