Henrik Malmquist, EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission, issued the following statement on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2012:
« I wish to take the opportunity presented by the advent of International Women’s Day to restate the commitment of EUPOL COPPS in seeking to advance the cause of Women’s equality in everything we do.
Across the globe women and men from diverse cultures will mark this day in unison by recognizing that the common goal of achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is a necessary pre-condition for building healthier, better educated, more peaceful and prosperous societies.
We in EUPOL COPPS strive to make our own contribution to this increasingly widespread and shared goal. In cooperation with our Palestinian hosts, we will continue to implement initiatives designed to promote gender issues within the local police, judiciary and penitentiary systems. I recognize and accept that there remains a great deal to do in order to ensure that women enjoy the equal status in society that is their birthright. But progress is real and substantial, and on this special day we all need to take a little time to celebrate that and to take pride in our contribution both as individuals and as an organization.
To all staff members, and to our Palestinian friends, I offer my thanks, my respect and my support for the outstanding work you do in this field. »
