Women Empowerment through Enhanced Role of Women Police: A Case Study of Punjab Women Police, Pakistan

Asiya Anwar1 & Basharat Hussain2

Abstract
Women’s empowerment is a global issue, and the current study was conducted to assess empowerment among senior rank women officers in Pakistan’s male-dominated police force. Women’s police work has never been in endearing attention. Since police job is extremely challenging as they have to face constant threats and uncertain situations. This article highlighted the issues and challenges which were correlated to the empowerment of senior rank women police officers in the ultra-masculine department. The study was carried out in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The convenient sampling method was applied for the selection of senior rank women officers (SSPs, SPs, ASPs and DSPs) because of their inadequate strength in the department. Structured interview schedule was used as a tool for data collection. The research in hand used a mixed methodological approach. The data was collected from 25 respondents out of 52 with the age group ranged from 31-60 years from different police stations and training centers of the Police force. This study revealed that despite the nature of the job, societal restraints and cultural norms, the induction of women in the police department is indispensable. Furthermore, regardless of women’s contribution to the socio-economic development, they are still confronting different challenges because of male domination and hostile working conditions which not only hinder their capabilities but also discourage them to work with high spirit. This study endorsed that provision of better working environment and changed organizational culture in police department would empower women folk as a whole.

Keywords: Women, empowerment, senior rank officers, societal restraints, hostile working conditions and organizational culture.