English
Kinyarwanda
By AIP Jolly MUTAMBA
The recent viral internet story of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rose Kampire, a pilot and aviation engineer, took social media by storm. To young women, it was deeply inspiring. To older generations, it marked yet another milestone in Rwanda’s ongoing journey toward women’s empowerment.
ACP Kampire’s story is not only remarkable, it is a powerful example of what gender equity can achieve in a nation driven by ambition. From a science student who pursued mathematics and physics subjects strongly encouraged for girls under Rwanda’s national education priorities to becoming a pilot and engineer; her path reflects the country’s commitment to creating real opportunities for women.
“After completing upper secondary school with excellence, I received a scholarship to study aviation abroad,” Kampire recalls. “On returning home, and with my long standing dream of becoming a police officer, I decided to apply my skills by serving in the Rwanda National Police and here we are.”
ACP Rose Kampire, an aviation engineer, conducts a routine pre-flight inspection of the aircraft
A Force where women thrive
Thanks to Rwanda’s visions for women empowerment, female officers today serve not only in uniform, but also as commanders, peacekeepers, engineers, pilots, doctors, forensic experts, and community leaders. Rwanda’s journey toward gender equality in policing is not just about inclusion, it is about transforming institutions from the inside out.
Police Constable (PC) Nadine Mukamuhoza, an officer in the Special Intervention Force (SIF), shares a similar narrative of growing within a supportive and equity driven police environment.
“Shortly after joining, I realized that willingness breeds talent. I can perform the same tasks as my male colleagues, both in the field and in training,” said PC Nadine. “I encourage younger siblings, boys and girls to join us in serving our country by protecting lives, maintaining security, and safeguarding our communities. I thank our country’s leadership for continuously striving to empower and create opportunities for women.”
An all-female Rwanda National Police shooting team engaged in intense physical and shooting drills
The stories of ACP Kampire, PC Mukamuhoza, and many others reflect how gender equity is not just respected within the Rwanda National Police, but championed. It has elevated Rwanda’s global image, placing it among the world’s leaders in gender representation, not only in parliament, but in policing as well.
From margins to leadership
25 years down the road, Rwanda National Police stands as a testament to what is possible when equity becomes practice. In its early days, female officers were few and often sidelined. Today, it is one of the most gender progressive police institutions, a reflection of Rwanda’s transformation rooted in resilience and reform.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Teddy Ruyenzi, Commissioner for Community Policing, spoke about the force’s evolution since its formation.
“At its inception in the year 2000, women made up just 0.5 percent of the total force, fewer than 70 officers in total. Their roles were limited, mainly secretarial or administrative. Leadership and field roles were almost entirely male,” she explained.
Female Police officers holding higher positions, a display of of the institution’s progress on women empowerment
Today, women represent 24 percent of the Rwanda National Police workforce.
“Women now lead specialized departments like Community Policing, the Regional Centre of Excellence, and the Youth Volunteers Coordination Office,” ACP Ruyenzi added. “And we have a female officer in one of the highest positions, Deputy Inspector General of Police for Administration and Personnel.”
Women serve in every corner of the force, in the Traffic and Road Safety Department, the Canine Unit, the Marine Unit, and the Special Forces. They command units, train recruits, and influence institutional policy. This shift is driven by a new generation of young women who now believe in their right to lead and serve.
Gender based reforms that delivered results
Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruth Mbabazi, Director of Gender Promotion echoes ACP Ruyenzi’s remarks in highlighting how the institutional reforms supported this transformation.
“To strengthen gender equality, we established the Directorate of Gender Promotion, created the Regional Center on Gender Based Violence and Child Abuse, and hold the annual Women Police Convention,” she said. “We also prioritize women in leadership, ensure equal access to training, support friendly work policies, and have deployed female police units to international peacekeeping missions.”
RNP senior police officer receiving a UN award during a medal parade ceremony for outstanding peacekeepers in South Sudan
According to women leaders in the force, policewomen bring more than numbers. They bring professionalism, empathy, and a vital touch in community relations and crisis response.
From commanding international operations to addressing domestic gender based violence, Rwandan policewomen are leading change well beyond their borders. They are becoming powerful agents of sustainable peace and social trust.
The Rwanda National Police no longer questions whether women belong in law enforcement. Instead, it asks how best to support their continued rise.
Twenty-five years on, RNP’s gender journey stands as a global example of what happens when equality is pursued with purpose. And if the last quarter century is any sign, the future of women in policing is not just bright, it is unstoppable.
Policewomen during an officer cadets pass-out and commissioning ceremony at Police Training School (PTS) Gishari
Policewomen perform the same tasks as their male colleagues either in the field and in training
