Abu Dhabi: As many as 115 Emirati women are all set to join the Abu Dhabi police force and proudly serve their nation.
The women, some of whom are homemakers and mothers, recently graduated from the Abu Dhabi Police women training section. They underwent a 22-week basic course in physical, academic and military training.
The graduates will be placed in various departments such as community police, special tasks force, security for diplomats, dog squad, security sections (such as at airports), and others.
"Police work impressed me from childhood and my dream was to join the police force some day. After three years of civilian work, I am finally able to fulfil my dream, thanks to the training," said Reem Al Shamsi, one of the graduates.
The first two weeks of the training focus on physical fitness and exercises. They are taught military science, apart from various other skills, and are trained to help and support people. It concludes with training for their graduation ceremony.
Scale new heights
Reem said: "I aspire to scale new heights in this field and to serve my country." She hopes to push forward the achievements of UAE women in general and policewomen in particular. Those who graduated include married women, university students and secondary school pupils.
Grade 10 is the minimum qualification required to enrol for the basic training course. However, the basic training does not allow graduates to become officers. In order to become one, applicants must have college education and complete a year long training programme.
Amongst the 115 who enrolled for the 29th batch of the training school, 97 were freshers while 18 were already working in civilian jobs with the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, First Lieutenant Shamma Al Muhairi, who heads the training section said yesterday. This batch is the biggest in number yet, as usually there are only about 50 to 60 students.
First Lieutenant Shamma attributed the increase in graduates to the changes made to the training regime, in order to make it more attractive for women hopefuls.
"Earlier trainees needed to stay at the training centre until their course was completed. This was changed to a 7am to 3pm regime, where they could go home after the training. This resulted in greater interest," she said.
It was in last October that the ministry embarked on a mission to attract more Emirati women to the force.
The high interest in serving the country and ambitious career moves reflect the progress made by Emirati women in light of the support given to them by the leadership of the country, she said.
Profile: Months of training
- She joined the force in 1990 after ten months of training.
- Her exemplary shooting skills won her several accolades in competitions. She is the captain of the UAE Olympic shooting team.
- In 2007, she became the first Emirati woman to have won a gold medal at Pan Arab Games.
- She was one of the four policewomen who were honoured by Abu Dhabi police on March 8 to mark the International Women's day.
- Source : Abu Dhabi Police
What kind of impact will this move have? Do you know of women achievers who have made a mark in traditionally male-dominated jobs?
