Six police women currently working in the Solomon Islands will travel from the tropics to far Western Australia for a conference in Perth next week.

The officers, include four from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and two PPF members Tina Westra and Anne Dellaca depart Honiara this Friday 21 August 2009.

The RSIPF officers include Chief Superintendent Juanita Matanga and Sgt Hanna Malkmus of Human Resources, Senior Constable Clera Qila Paluso of Crime Statistics and Staff Officer to the Deputy Commissioner Sergeant Evelyn Thugea.

They will be participating in the 6th Women and Policing Conference to be held in Perth which focuses on improving policing and the criminal justice system for women.

Commissioner Peter Marshall said he was thrilled the RSIPF officers were able to join the conference workshops be exposed to policy makers, law enforcement officers, researchers, human rights activists and women's services groups attending this forum.

"This is a valuable opportunity for our senior female police to build their partnerships in other forces and share their own professional skills and leadership in specialist workshops," he said.

"The RSIPF is grateful to Participating Police Force and Australian Federal Police for helping to fund their accommodation, travel and registration in the conference."

Chief Superintendent Juanita Matanga will lead a presentation for Partnerships in the Pacific Islands on the issue of Technology and Women in the Solomon Islands. Sergeant Evelyn Thugea will deliver a presentation called Networking in the Pacific, alongside AFP officer Leanne Lomas and a representative from Cook Islands Police.

Other key topics of interest including International Partnerships to End Violence Against Women, Keeping Women in Policing, Leading Change, Communication Styles, Media Management, Serial Sexual Assault, and Making It Happen for Indigenous Communities.

A theme of the conference is International Change with various case studies presented from Africa.

Program Manager Mission Support for RAMSI PPF Anne Dellaca will deliver a presentation on her recent experiences in Sudan. Her topic is Lifting the Veil - diversity in rebuilding the rule of law in Sudan. PPF Advisor Tina Westra will be on a panel: Domestic Violence Issues looking at an international perspective including Melanesia and East Timor.

A highlight of the conference will be the presentation of the 2009 Excellence in Policing Awards on Tuesday evening, 25 August at Government House.


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