IWD has been held annually on 8 March since 1911 and celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe.
The theme for 2021 IWD is #ChooseToChallenge and asks people to raise their hand and make a pledge to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality and help create an inclusive world.
In the CNC, inclusivity is one of our core Constabulary values and we wanted to mark IWD by asking our officers and staff from around the country to #ChooseToChallenge. Images and pledges were soon arriving and we will be publishing them across the CNCs social media accounts today as part of #ChooseToChallenge.
We’ll also be featuring the first female officer to join the CNC (then UKAEAC) in 1976, Jean Crolla. Jean became one of the first female firearms officers in the UK and served at three sites before retiring as a sergeant in 2004. On IWD, we honour Jean and her fellow female firearms officers who inspired and led the way for many to follow.
Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: “At the CNC, inclusivity, equality and fairness is at the heart of everything we do and I am so proud to be taking part in IWD and choosing to challenge inequality.
“As an armed police force, our number of female Authorised Firearms Officers is 11%, higher than the national average of 6.8%. In comparison, of our 319 police staff, 206 are women – nearly 65% – and we are committed to attracting more women to join us as armed police officers as well as in police staff roles.
“As part of IWD 2021 we have heard from officers and staff across the Constabulary, based around the country, about how they want to help make gender equality a reality for us all and I hope the actions of everyone #ChoosingToChallenge will make a real impact.”
Meet more of our officers and staff celebrating international women’s day on our accounts on @NucelarPolice on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
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