On Friday 8 March, it’s International Women’s Day, which women officers and staff will celebrate from Merseyside Police. They will be marking the occasion by acknowledging the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
This occasion allows us to acknowledge the valuable contributions and accomplishments of the female officers and staff throughout the force. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to consider ways in which Merseyside Police can enhance their support, encouragement, and empowerment of women within our broader communities.
A group of Merseyside Police officers and staff who are women will be visiting 10 high schools in the region this week. Their aim is to inspire young women to consider a career in policing by sharing their experiences. All of the high schools they will be visiting are exclusively for girls.
The force Outreach Team is arranging an event where female volunteers from different departments, such as IT, Investigations, Custody, and People Services, will participate. The purpose of this event is to discuss their career achievements, talk about the obstacles they have faced and conquered, and provide advice for those who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
Outreach Officer Emma Hodgson who has coordinated these events said:
“As part of my role as an Outreach Officer, we go out and connect with our different communities, forge positive relationships and hopefully inspire people to join our force.
“I would never have known about the role of an Outreach Officer when I was starting out but during the last 17 years, I have been lucky enough to work in many different roles such as Response, Roads Policing, Family Crime, Missing Persons Unit, Local Policing and Schools.
“Over the week, we will have spoken directly to over 3,500 young girls from across the Merseyside region and we have already received plenty of positive feedback from the visits we have conducted so far.”
Jenn Wilson, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, Local Policing and Criminal Justice, said:
“The theme of International Women’s Day this year is to Inspire Inclusion, striving for a world where difference is valued and celebrated. I have worked for Merseyside Police for 23 years and I have been fortunate enough to work with many great role models who have inspired me to go on to support others on their journeys.
“Taking part in these school assemblies is a great way to inspire young girls as they carve out their future careers. Hopefully, by showcasing all the different roles on offer, we can attract a diverse range of girls who can all bring a mix of skills and perspectives.
“I really care about people, and I believe the best way to make a positive difference in policing is by making sure everyone is valued for who they are and the contributions they make.”
Helen Rimmer, Assistant Headteacher, at Archbishop Blanch High School, said:
“The girls have really been inspired by the range of diverse women that have presented to them today.
“It is fantastic for them to see the range of roles available beyond police officer roles too, it highlights new paths that they might wish to follow in the future.”
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