Why Women’s Leadership in Policing Matters  

Security is only as strong as the trust it earns. In Nigeria, women make up not less than half the population but represent only 15% of the police force and less than 10% in position of authority. The result is not just inequality- it is institutional blind spots that weaken the system’s ability to serve and protect. It is a missed opportunity to build empathy, accountability, and resilience into the very systems meant to protect citizens. Studies globally show that when women lead in policing, communities experience higher trust, reduced use of force, and stronger responses to gender-based violence. Inclusion is not symbolic; it is strategic.  

A Programme Rooted in Leadership and Reform 

The WPLP brought together 40 women officers, from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to Commissioner of Police, for a year-long journey of structured learning, mentorship, and institutional engagement. The curriculum blended technical and personal development, covering: 

Participants engaged in book reviews, resource critiques, and leadership assignments, fostering reflective learning and practical application.  

One officer captured the spirit of the programme : “We are learning to lead with vision, not position.” 

Mentorship and Network Building 

Following the formal training, each officer was paired with a seasoned mentor, both within and outside the security ecosystem. This phase catalyzed the formation of intergenerational mentorship and fostered Women’s Police Network, now peer learning, policy advocacy and professional support. At the Women Police Leadership Roundtable held in September 2025, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, captured the spirit of the initiative succinctly during her address: “Women leaders bring empathy, collaboration, and resilience, critical for modern policing. These are not just “soft skills”, they are strategic capabilities required in modern policing.” 

The Roundtable, themed “Leading with Ipact: Elevating Women’s Leadership in Policing for a Safer Nigeria”, convened stakeholders from governance, diplomacy, and civil society to  explore how inclusive leadership strengthens public trust and institutional resilience. 

Institutionalizing Gender Equality  

As Nigeria implements the NPF Gender Policy (2024–2029) and the 3rd National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 (2024–2028), WPLP is emerging as a reference model for gender-responsive reform.  Its success has inspired replication across justice and security governance spaces. 

Building on this momentum, UNDP and partners will launch a second cohort in the final quarter of 2025, expanding participation and refining the curriculum based on lessons learned. The goal remains clear: to institutionalize gender equality as a standard of leadership, not an exception, within the Nigeria Police Force.