Women in police forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain significantly underrepresented, especially in management positions, where only about 4 percent are women. However, in recent years, there has been progress in their professional development.
This conclusion was reached by participants before the start of the conference titled “Enhancement of Female Leadership in Police Forces: Strengthening of Network across Europe.” The participants, supported by the European Union, organized the EUPA4BiH project, the European Network of Female Police Officers, the Association “Network of Female Police Officers” of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kristina Jozić, representative of the Association “Network of Female Police Officers” and Acting Assistant Director of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina, noted that the role of women in police forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as globally, has changed significantly in recent years.
“However, female police officers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are still drastically underrepresented, as their share is approximately 11 percent, while only about 4 percent of women hold management positions,” Jozić said.
She noted that, according to the Law on Gender Equality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the underrepresented gender should have at least 40 percent representation. This suggests that the country still has a long way to go to reach that goal. She also mentioned that, so far, women haven’t led police agencies or held roles like CEO or commissioner. Women are not represented in senior police ranks, such as inspector general and chief inspector general.
However, Jozić highlighted some positive progress in recent years regarding the promotion of women within police forces. In certain police bodies, the first female Chief Inspectors have been appointed, and the number of women in the ranks of Senior and Independent Inspectors is increasing.
“We are building a base that could give us our first female leaders or heads of police institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Jozić said.
Speaking about the significance of the conference, she stated that it provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues from other EU countries that have achieved greater progress in promoting gender equality in police forces.
She used the Netherlands as an example, where women make up over 30 percent of police personnel and over 40 percent of management positions, including the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, are held by women. She also mentioned Belgium, where women account for over 30 percent of police personnel and around 15 percent of management positions. She included Austria, a country that set a goal to have 20 percent of leadership positions filled by women.
Katarina Tomašević, Police Colonel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and a member of the Cabinet of the Police Director, said that strengthening female leadership and promoting cooperation among female officers are key goals of today’s international conference.
Tomašević, President of the Women in Police Network and the European Network of Policewomen, said that an efficient police system cannot be built without adequate representation of women.
“We all know the police system cannot be modern and efficient unless women make up at least one third of the total police personnel,” Tomašević said.
Snežana Galić, Chief Inspector of the Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Una-Sana Canton and Chief of the Criminal Investigation Department, emphasized that women in police forces have shown they are an equal and integral part of the system and a vital factor in its strengthening.
Speaking about the role of women in police forces, Galić said that their position should not be viewed solely through the lens of equality, but also in terms of their contribution to the efficiency and professionalism of police forces.
“Women have shown they can keep up with their male colleagues and perform their duties. They have also proven to be an integral part of police organizations through their professional attitude and responsibility,” she stated.
She noted that she paved the way for women in management roles within her institution, adding that she was the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector. In that role, she held a series of responsible leadership positions.
“I hope I will not be the last and that my colleagues will also reach these positions and demonstrate that they are worthy of this rank and the responsibility it carries,” Galić said.
Speaking about the significance of the conference, she said it represents strong motivation for future generations of female police officers.
“This conference is certainly a major boost for future female Chief Inspectors and Leaders within police organizations,” Galić concluded.
Aleksander Krebl, the EUPA4BiH project team leader in Bosnia and Herzegovina, told the media that the project has recorded inadequate representation of women in both operational tasks and leadership positions.
“It is simply not enough for women to hold only 4 percent of leadership positions. This is why, through this project and in cooperation with police agencies, we will do our best to increase that number,” Krebl said.
He said that key steps in this process include concrete recommendations from panel discussions.
He also noted that women play a key role in certain areas of police work, especially in community policing, as well as in combating human trafficking, working with children, and handling domestic violence cases.
“The goal is clear – to increase the representation of women at both operational and leadership levels. We will continue to monitor and develop this together with police agencies until the project is fully implemented,” Krebl concluded.
This event brings together female police officers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and about 20 European countries to exchange experiences and best practices in advancing gender equality and strengthening the role of women in police forces, especially in leadership positions.
