The Roles and Challenges of Policewomen in the Zambia Police 1966–1995

Abstract

This study examines the roles and challenges of women in male dominated institutions focusing on the case of Zambia Police from 1966 to 1995. Primary and secondary sources were consulted. Primary sources used included oral interviews, consulting colonial and post-colonial government reports and conference papers. The secondary sources include books, dissertations and journals. The study argues that Zambia Police Service formerly known as Northern Rhodesia Police was formed in 1932 and at inception it only comprised men with no intentions of considering the inclusion of female Police officers. In 1947, the Force started employing clerks and African civilians that included twelve women. The female clerks and wives of the senior police officers helped the Force to search, guard and escort female and juvenile offenders to their convenience rooms. The study further reveals that it was very important for the Force to consider the recruitment and training of female police officers and equip them with police skills as a pilot project. European women were first engaged and trained as police officers in 1955 and the African first females during 1958. The roles of these policewomen were mainly confined to clerical and administrative work. In 1966, two years after independence, the Force started recruitment and training of policewomen on a permanent basis. Policewomen found it difficult to adapt to the work culture of men towards them because they were discriminated against in many ways. The policewomen were faced with a number of challenges and barriers that hindered their advancement in the police. The study concluded that from 1966 to 1995, policewomen contributed to maintenance of law and order in the country. Despite the challenges they faced they were able to gain recognition, acceptance and promotion to higher ranks.