Following the trip to Abu Dhabi, we all flew to Dhaka, Bangladesh, where other Board members joined us. After 2 days of Board meetings, we had the privilege of attending the 1st Asian Region Women Police Conference, that was hosted by the Bangladesh Police Women's Network (another new Affiliate of the IAWP) on March 7th and 8th. Approximately 120 women law enforcement officers from throughout Asia attended the conference, which was held at the Police Staff College in Dhaka, and where we were hosted during our stay. The Opening Ceremonies was held at the Intercontinental Hotel, and attended by a number of high ranking government and law enforcement officials, as well as the UN Resident Coordinator for Bangladesh, all who participated in opening remarks. We then returned to the Police College, and the training classes began.
It was an honor being able to participate in this conference, as well as to participate in the first ever International Women's Day March in Dhaka on International Women's Day on March 8th. It was a powerful experience, and I was truly honored to have been able to be a part of their history! It was also amazing to see posters and signs throughout Dhaka about both the conference and the International Women's Day March. It was clear these were both very important events!
We were also able to visit a Victim Support Centre, which takes care of women and children who are victims of trafficking, acid burn, domestic violence, sexual harassment and rape, which is run by the Women Support & Investigation Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Department. And, along with all of that, Region 15 Coordinator, and Deputy Police Commissioner, Amena Begum, was able to take us to the Ahsan Manzil Palace Museum, the Parliament Building, and other areas in Dhaka, followed by a final banquet where we were entertained by local dancing and singing. A very nice way to end a wonderful experience!
