“POWER AND INFLUENCE OF WOMEN IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECURITY SECTOR”
The Network of Women in the Police of the Republic of Serbia in cooperation with The European Network of Policewomen will host their 4th annual conference titled “Strength and Influence of Women in the Development of the Security Sector” on 27 November 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. This event will gather senior representatives of Serbian institutions, leaders from INTERPOL, FRONTEX and IAWP, and members of policewomen’s networks from across Europe and the region. The conference aims to highlight the evolving and essential role of women in shaping contemporary security systems and promote stronger gender equality, leadership opportunities, and international cooperation. This year’s gathering places particular emphasis on the principles of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, underscoring the global responsibility to ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in all areas of peace and security.
The program will open with high-level addresses from national and international officials, setting the stage for discussions on the influence of women in modern security policy and practice. Throughout the day, participants will engage in thematic sessions that explore women’s leadership and decision-making, challenges in reaching higher management positions, and policies that can help advance women within security structures. With the president of the Network of Women in the Police in Serbia, currently also holding the position of President of the European Network of Policewomen, the event intends to offer diverse perspectives from Europe and the Western Balkans. Speakers from nearly 20 jurisdictions will share insights into how their institutions strengthen inclusion, protect women’s rights in the workplace, and build environments that encourage professional growth. Dedicated panels will examine gender-equality strategies, global and regional trends in the role of women in policing, and the contribution of women in uniformed services. This gathering intends to send a reminder that women are not only beneficiaries of peace and security but vital contributors to its creation. Their leadership, expertise, and perspective enrich every dimension of the security sector, from community policing to international operations. With shared vision and partnership, the conference aims to inspire continued progress, celebrate achievements, and pave the way for a more inclusive security future.
The conference is organized with the support of the UNDP in Serbia, through the project “Reduce Risk – Increase Safety III”. This project is implemented with the financial support of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the French Republic, the United Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Norway, as well as with the support of the European Union, through the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund in support of the implementation of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.