For years, Officer Arzaq worked behind a desk in one of Aden’s Salah Al-Deen police station, handling paperwork and supporting her colleagues. She was committed to her job but felt that something was missing.

“Previously, my role was mostly administrative, and I had little knowledge of legal procedures,” Officer Arzaq shares.

That changed when Officer Arzaq was selected to join a new training programme aimed at integrating practices sensitive to both women and men into policing. Through this initiative, she not only stepped into a more active role, but also gained the tools and confidence to properly investigate cases and advocate for the people she serves.

“Through this training, I gained a deep understanding of key laws, investigative procedures, and how to properly document and handle cases.”

Officer Arzaq is one of 170 officers ,including 101 men and 69 women, who have been trained as part of a wider effort to make Yemen’s security institutions more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all members of society. She is also one of 23 women trained in evidence collection. 

In addition to training and provision of computer equipment for twenty police stations in Aden, support includes rehabilitation of sewer manholes, water tanks, reception areas, and installation of additional rooms, as well as separate washroom facilities for men and women, air ventilators, and solar energy systems.