International Association of Women Police to Host Global Conference in Glasgow

 

The International Association of Women Police (IAWP) will welcome more than 400 police officers from across the globe to the Scottish Events Campus (SEC) in Glasgow on September 8 2025, for its annual conference. 

The event will bring together law enforcement professionals for a week of high-level training, leadership development, and discussion on the most pressing issues facing policing today. 

Delegates will engage in thought leading debate, share expertise, and take part in workshops designed to inspire and strengthen policing practice worldwide.

The opening day will conclude with a prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating excellence and bravery across the international policing community. 

Ten awards will be presented, including the coveted Axon Officer of the Year, and NicheRMS365 Bravery Award. 

This year’s award recipients include officers from the UK, Ukraine, Taiwan, Pakistan, United States, and Canada. Each honouree will receive a quaich - a traditional Scottish drinking cup. 

A uniquely designed tartan will also be registered in honour of the conference and in celebration of the IAWP’s recognition of Scottish heritage. 

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said:

“The IAWP is honoured to bring together officers from every corner of the world here in Glasgow.  Whilst we focus on professional development to progress all law enforcement agencies, we also celebrate the achievements and bravery of those who put themselves between the public and harm all over the world. As the global environment changes, so do the demands on police officers and this conference helps them stay at the cutting edge of police development. 

President Jaeger added:

“We have around 45 countries represented in their full uniform as officers arrive on the first day of the conference (8 September). This is a show of strength for modern policing with women at the fore.” 

The conference will run throughout the week at the SEC, offering delegates the chance to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of policing together.

Awards

UK - Lancashire Constable Nikki Nabi honoured as the IAWP Award recipient for mentoring and coaching.

PC Nabi’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and breaking barriers in policing has set a remarkable standard. Her groundbreaking initiative, Police Bleep in the Community, tackled disproportionate fitness test failure rates among female candidates, especially those from seldom-heard communities. By bringing fitness preparation directly to these communities, PC Nabi improved pass rates from 75% to an impressive 92%, inspiring forces nationally and internationally to adopt her model.

Beyond fitness initiatives, PC Nabi collaborated with women who wear a hijab, manufacturers and clothing stores to develop a Hijab which is suitable to wear for police duties encouraging more Muslim women to consider policing as a viable career option.  As the General Secretary to Lancashire Black Police Association, she consistently champions women’s rights and creates deep connections with Lancashire’s diverse communities so more people can see themselves as part of the future of policing.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “PC Nabi’s tireless mentoring and coaching contributions are impactful and rare, leaving a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for women police officers.

She empowers others, advancing diversity and ensuring representation within policing. We often quote Sir Robert Peel who said “the police are the public, and the public are the police” and in my view, PC Nabi is working hard to make this a reality. This is key to building trust and confidence between the police and the communities we serve. People need to be able to recognise their own values, perspectives and experiences represented with their police services.

“I’m delighted we are able to honour PC Nabi’s achievements and spotlight them to a global policing audience ensuring British Policing continues to represent a high standard of care.”

Pakistan National Police Superintendent Aisha Butt honoured with IAWP Excellence in Policing Award

Superintendent Aisha Butt is recognised for her outstanding contributions to law enforcement, road safety, and community engagement.  

As the first woman appointed as Chief Traffic Officer, Aisha has transformed a city’s traffic management, spearheading a driving license campaign that increased the number of licensed drivers from 28,000 to one million in just over a year. She also established Pakistan’s first driving school dedicated to women, empowering individuals and families with greater mobility and awareness of road safety.  

Her leadership has driven innovative solutions, including digital driving simulators, traffic theme parks, and the publication of “A Beginner’s Guide” - a first-of-its-kind educational booklet for traffic awareness, distributed across public and private schools.  

Beyond traffic regulation, Aisha has led the creation of a state-of-the-art traffic control room, integrating AI technology for real-time traffic monitoring and illegal parking detection. Through community policing, she has organized student marathons, art and debate competitions, and seminars to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the public.  

Aisha’s influence extends beyond traffic safety, as she serves as chairperson of the District Women Police Council and the Police Anti-Harassment Committee, advocating for women’s safety and empowerment. She is a founding member of multiple initiatives supporting survivors of domestic violence, including Women’s Enclave and Pink Wheels, a proactive response to gender-based violence.  

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “Aisha exemplifies excellence in policing through her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to public safety, and dedication to community engagement. Her achievements serve as a beacon of progress for law enforcement professionals worldwide.”

Greater Manchester Police Detective Inspector Anna Rickards Honoured with the IAWP Inspiration Award.

UK - Detective Inspector Anna Rickards of Greater Manchester Police is the distinguished recipient of the IAWP Inspiration Award. This accolade celebrates her remarkable contributions to advancing gender equality and supporting women in policing.

Detective Inspector Rickards, as Chair of the Association of Women for Greater Manchester Police, has demonstrated unwavering dedication and innovation in her initiatives:

• Implementing IVF and fertility guidance for police supervisors, ensuring protected time off for officers during medical appointments
• Securing funding for IAWP training
• Collaborating on research into trauma experienced by pregnant officers, leading to revised maternity risk assessments and policies adopted by police organisations and private entities
• Advocating for part time career opportunities, making GMP the first force to offer job sharing for frontline officers – a transformative model adopted across the country
• Hosting international conferences and creating networks for female officers
• Leading mentorship and listening circles for officers impacted by sexual harassment and violence, contributing to systemic change and justice.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “DI Rickards’ impact extends beyond her professional obligations, as she is balancing her vital role as DI with raising two young children. Her tireless commitment, innovative leadership, and compassionate mentorship have made her a beacon of inspiration of women in policing and beyond.

“She exemplifies the essence of the Inspiration Award. Her achievements resonate deeply with our mission to empower and uplift women in law enforcement. We are delighted to honour her incredible contributions and celebrate her extraordinary dedication to the profession.”

Sergeant Devon Edwards honoured with International Association of Women Police Scholarship Award

The IAWP is proud to announce Sergeant Devon Edwards of the King County Sheriff Office, Seattle, Washington, USA, as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious IAWP Scholarship Award.

The IAWP Scholarship Award is highly competitive, distinguishing itself as the sole award out of the twelve overall, that includes funds to cover the costs of attending the highly prestigious event. It recognises outstanding contributions and commitment to the advancement of women in policing.

Sergeant Edwards, with nearly fifteen years of dedicated service in law enforcement, has made an indelible impact beyond the badge. She is founder of Women of the Watch, a nonprofit organisation committed to mentorship, leadership development, and wellness for women in policing. Through mentoring new deputies, challenging outdated norms, and creating inclusive spaces, Sergeant Edwards has worked tirelessly to inspire cultural change within the profession.

The scholarship will enable Sergeant Edwards to participate in the conference, where she aims to expand her knowledge, build global connections, and further empower the women she serves, mentors, and advocates for. Her commitment doesn’t end with her attendance; she plans to leverage her experience to amplify the IAWP’s mission of creating a global community where women police are seen, valued and heard.

IAWP President Julia Jaegar said: “We are delighted to award this scholarship and the opportunity that comes with it to Sergeant Devon Edwards. She is a thoroughly deserving recipient. Her mentorship of others is exactly what we look for and supports our mission to unite, strengthen and build the capacity of women in policing. Well done to Devon and we are delighted to see her in Glasgow.”

Detective Constable Maire Kenny Named Recipient of the IAWP Prevention and Detection of Violence Against Women Award

Canada - Detective Constable Maire Kenny of the Vancouver Police Department, is the recipient of the prestigious Prevention and Detection of Violence Against Women Award.

Detective Constable Kenny is being recognised for her exceptional work as a member of the Vancouver Police Department’s Intimate Partner Violence and Risk Assessment Unit. Her unwavering commitment to support Indigenous survivors of partner violence and her pioneering efforts in the development of trauma-informed policing strategies have led to significant advancements in victim engagement and case outcomes.

In her leadership role with the Indigenous Partnership Pilot Program (IPPP), a nine-month initiative aimed at addressing the systemic underreporting of intimate partner violence and sexual assaults among Indigenous communities, Constable Kenny fostered strong partnerships with organisations such as Family Services of Greater Vancouver and Indigenous Support Workers. Her innovative approach resulted in a 12% increase in charge approvals, and a 40% success rate in making contact with survivors, reinforcing her impact in improving survivor trust and engagement throughout the legal process.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “As an Indigenous officer, Constable Kenny has brought cultural understanding and empathy to her work, recognising the historical trauma and community dynamics that often discourage reporting. Her dedication to survivor safety and empowerment, as well as her collaboration with community partners like the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre and the First Nations Justice Council, has been instrumental in enhancing support systems for those affected by violence.

“The IAWP is honoured to celebrate Detective Constable Maire Kenny’s exemplary service, advocacy, and trailblazing contributions to the prevention and detection of violence against women.”

USA – Sergeant (Retired) Fabian Brown, USA, receives the IAWP’s Heritage Award

USA - Sergeant (retired) Fabian Brown will be honoured with the prestigious Heritage Award.

Sgt Brown exemplifies the IAWP’s mission to strengthen, unite and enhance the capacity of women in policing on an international scale. Her enduring commitment to supporting and advancing women in law enforcement, coupled with her tireless advocacy and service with the IAWP, has left a profound legacy.

Since joining the IAWP in 2003, Sgt Brown has participated in more than sixteen annual training conferences, contributed to early board meetings and became a life member in 2016. Her involvement began with her volunteer work on the planning committee for the 2003 conference in San Francisco. Motivated by the organisation’s focus on promoting, supporting, and training women police officers, Sgt Brown’s dedication grew, leading her to sponsor membership for women from lower-income countries through the Adopt-an-Officer program.

Among her remarkable achievements, Sgt Brown championed the completion of a women’s shelter in Kampala, Uganda, after travelling to witness the project firsthand. Her impactful presentation to the IAWP Board of Directors galvanized further support from members to finish the shelter, providing vital refuge for women and children.

Between 2012 and 2024, Sgt Brown was elected as the Region 10 Coordinator, in which she earned unopposed re-elections for four consecutive terms.

President Julia Jaeger said: “Beyond her IAWP contributions, Fabian has dedicated her life to service through roles with the American Red Cross, the Bay Area Law Enforcement Assistance Fund (BALEAF), and as a past president of the San Francisco/ Oakland Bay Area Chapter of the National Black Police Association. She continues to inspire through her leadership and volunteerism.”

Ontario Provincial Police Analyst Emma Hamilton to receive International Civilian of the Year Award.

Canada - Emma Hamilton, Analyst with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), has been named the recipient of the prestigious Civilian of the Year Award. This honour celebrates Emma’s exceptional contributions to law enforcement, innovative solutions to public safety, and her commitment to advancing policing technology.

As a Records Management System Support Analyst, Emma Hamilton plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ontario Police’s operations.  Through her ability to analyse workflows and collaborate with stakeholders, she has kept the Ontario Provincial Police at the leading edge of technological advancements in law enforcement.

Emma’s accomplishments include her instrumental work in establishing a Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard in 2023. This groundbreaking tool allows police services across Ontario to monitor dangerous offenders on bail, directly enhancing public safety. She also integrated the Canadian Police Information Centre data with the system to ensure police are able to effectively share data – a major step in efficiency.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “These are just a couple of the achievements of Emma in bringing police information together. This is crucial in ensuring the safety of the public, and testament to Emma’s problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Her ability to resolve complex issues has rightly earned her widespread respect and we’re delighted to be able to honour her in this way at our 62^nd Annual Training Conference which will, this year, be held in Glasgow, Scotland.”

International Association of Women Police Honours Lieutenant Valeriia Bilenets with Prestigious Bravery Award.

Ukraine - Lieutenant Valeriia Bilenets of the Ukraine National Police is the recipient of the esteemed Bravery Award. This accolade, is sponsored by NicheRMS365

Lieutenant Bilenets’ remarkable courage and unwavering dedication have been exemplified through her work as a member of the ‘White Angel’ crew since December 2022. Operating under perilous and life-threatening conditions, her contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary.

As part of the ‘White Angel’ team, Lieutenant Bilenets has rescued 518 people, including 84 children, from active combat zones, providing them with a chance for a better future. Beyond evacuations, she has delivered vital food, medicine and humanitarian aid to more than 250 families affected by the ongoing conflict.

Her heroism extends to moments of unimaginable adversity. On August 19 2024, she participated in search operations to recover the deceased, granting grieving families closure, even amid the looming threat of renewed attacks.  Later, on October 23, 2024, she saved the life of a wounded civilian trapped in rubble by administering critical medical aid and securing his evacuation. Her bravery shone once again on October 29, 2024 when she navigated the chaos of collapsed buildings and ongoing danger to rescue an injured man, provide first aid to victims, and assist those trapped beneath wreckage – all while risking her own safety.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “Lieutenant Bilenets epitomises resilience, compassion, and extraordinary bravery. Her selflessness and dedication remind us of the profound impact one woman can make, even in the most challenging circumstances.

“The focus of our conference in September is ‘Standing Strong, Standing Together’ and I can’t think of a better example than Valeriia. She stood alongside those is immediate danger to provide safety and on that basis we are delighted to be able to recognise her in this way.”

 

Deputy Director-General Mei-Ling Liao Honoured with IAWP Leadership Award

Deputy Director-General Liao is a trailblazer in Taiwanese law enforcement and the first woman in history to hold her current role at the National Police Agency. Renowned for her exemplary leadership and lifelong dedication to policing, she has led numerous high-profile operations and reforms that have significantly strengthened public safety and advanced community policing across Taiwan.

Throughout her distinguished career, D.D.G. Liao has held senior leadership positions within multiple law enforcement bodies, including serving as Commissioner of the Hualien County Police Bureau, the Railway Police Bureau, and the National Highway Police Bureau. Her leadership has brought measurable improvements to crime prevention, the integration of technology in policing, and the development of inclusive community safety programs—especially in protecting women and children.

A strong advocate for research-driven reforms, D.D.G. Liao’s academic work, including her master’s thesis on the application of Total Quality Management in domestic violence response, reflects her innovative approach to bridging theory with field practice. Her commitment to gender equality and institutional progress has not only broken barriers for women in policing but also created a more inclusive and modern law enforcement environment in Taiwan.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “D.D.G. Liao is internationally respected for her strategic vision and crisis management skills. She has represented Taiwan at global law enforcement forums, sharing insights and fostering international collaboration. Her leadership style—firm yet compassionate—has earned her widespread admiration both within the ranks and among the communities she serves.

“The IAWP Leadership Award recognises exceptional women leaders in policing who demonstrate excellence, inspire others, and make impactful contributions to their agencies and communities. D.D.G. Mei-Ling Liao exemplifies these values and stands as a powerful role model for law enforcement professionals worldwide.”

 

IAWP Announces Two Met Officers as the 2025 Recipients of Male Award in Support of the UN ‘HeForShe’ Campaign

UK - Detective Chief Inspector James Fox and Sergeant Terry Mole of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) are the recipients of the Male Award in support of the United Nations HeForShe Campaign.

DCI James Fox and Sgt Terry Mole have demonstrated exceptional commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women within policing. Their leadership and unwavering support for the HeForShe movement has significantly expanded the network within the MPS—from around 700 to more than 2,000 allies. Together, they have fostered an inclusive culture and led numerous initiatives to promote equity, challenge systemic barriers, and ensure sustainable progress.

Among their many achievements:

• Developed a comprehensive HeForShe welcome pack and live HeForShe Encyclopedia to support ally onboarding and continuous learning.
• Created the monthly ‘HeForShe Explores’ video series, highlighting diverse voices and issues affecting women in policing.
• Launched a number of high-impact initiatives such as roundtable events on policing and gender, films on gender micro-aggressions, bespoke recruitment events and much more

They have also embedded gender equality content into recruitment learning, shared their work nationally to influence best practices across UK policing, and engaged external partners—including universities and corporate trainers—to extend their impact.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “Their dedication, innovation, and advocacy not only support women within the Metropolitan Police Service but also inspire broader cultural change within law enforcement. This award celebrates their exceptional contribution to the HeForShe campaign and their commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”

 

Lieutenant Colonel Olha Zinchenko of Ukraine receives Community Service Award from the International Association of Women Police.

Lieutenant Colonel Olha Zinchenko of the Ukraine National Police is the recipient of the prestigious Community Service Award. This accolade recognises Olha’s outstanding dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals, rescuing children in conflict zones, and fostering strong community relationships.

Lt Col Zinchenko’s tireless efforts to safeguard at-risk individuals have had a profound impact on her community. Since early 2024, Olha and her team of 40 officers have successfully located and reunited 255 missing children with their families. Through collaboration with local authorities, she orchestrated a large-scale evacuation in March 2022, relocating more than 1000 orphaned children from high-risk areas to safety – 554 children were taken abroad, while 454 were placed in secure locations within Ukraine.

Beyond these heroic efforts, Olha supports families in extreme hardship by partnering with humanitarian organisations to provide aid to internally displaced individuals. Her initiatives include facilitating access to housing, essential supplies, food, and medicine. Recognising the importance of awareness, Olha leads campaigns to persuade families to evacuate dangerous areas, which recently resulted in the successful evacuation of 54 children.

Lt Col Zinchenko’s commitment to education and community building is equally remarkable. Under her leadership, the national Mobile Safety Classroom project teaches children critical survival skills and threat recognition. In just one year, the initiative has reached more than 2000 children

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “Lt Col Olha Zinchenko is a shining example of the extraordinary impact dedicated police officers can have on their communities. Her tireless work provides hope, safety, and a brighter future for countless individuals.”

Captain Olena Stavytska Awarded IAWP Officer of the Year for Remarkable Bravery and Leadership

Kyiv, Ukraine – Captain Olena Stavytska of the National Police of Ukraine is the recipient of the prestigious Officer of the Year Award, sponsored by Axon.

Amidst unprecedented challenges in Ukraine, Capt Stavytska stands as a beacon of courage, professionalism, and resilience. Serving as part of the “White Angels” police emergency response and evacuation team, she has risked her life in perilous conditions to ensure the safety of civilians, including rescuing 27 children from conflict zones under relentless bombardment. Through her leadership and determination, 525 civilians—264 of them children—were evacuated from the Sumy region in late 2024.

Despite facing personal injuries during a targeted attack on her service vehicle, Capt Stavytska’s unwavering commitment saw her return to duty after a brief recovery, exemplifying extraordinary dedication to her mission. Beyond rescue operations, she leads efforts to support her team, ensuring access to vital resources and psychological care, fostering strength and morale during difficult times.

The IAWP works to unite, strengthen and raise the capacity of women in policing around the world and are pleased to be working with Axon, the proud sponsors of this award. Axon deliver connected solutions to enhance safety, build safer communities and accelerate justice.

IAWP President Julia Jaeger said: “Captain Stavytska’s selfless actions and exceptional leadership set a gold standard for service, inspiring not only her colleagues but communities across Ukraine, and people in policing around the world. Her ability to balance compassion with professionalism has left an indelible impact, making her a true role model.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate Captain Stavytska’s achievements at the Glasgow conference, a pivotal event in fostering connections and development among women police worldwide.”