Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rose Kampire, who has spent 19 years as an aircraft engineer in Rwanda’s Police Force, represents a beacon of female empowerment and resilience. ACP Kampire, widely celebrated across media platforms and social networks, stands as an inspiration to young girls, embodying Rwanda’s dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Kampire’s story is not only groundbreaking but also a testament to the transformational potential of gender equality in a nation with a clear vision. Starting as an exceptional science student talented in mathematics and physics, she paved her path to remarkable achievements in aviation engineering.
Kampire’s work instills pride and inspires girls to pursue education with big dreams—becoming pilots, engineers, or trailblazers in other fields. She notes, “After excelling in math and physics during secondary school, I earned a scholarship to study aviation abroad. I chose to use this opportunity to contribute to the Rwanda National Police.”
Empowering Female Police Officers
Rwanda National Police has made empowering women and advancing gender equality an institutional priority. This effort sees female officers stepping into leadership roles, participating in peacekeeping missions, and pursuing professions as engineers, doctors, pilots, and legal experts—all while contributing to high-level decision-making processes. Rwanda's gender-forward approach champions capabilities and builds inclusive opportunities.
Police Constable (PC) Mukamuhoza Nadine, part of the Special Intervention Force (SIF), champions equal competency between male and female officers. Reflecting on her experiences, she shares: "Upon starting my career, I realized that determination is the key element to showcasing one’s skills. By performing equally alongside my male peers in training sessions and duties, I demonstrate the ability and potential women possess."
She adds, “I encourage young men and women to join us and actively contribute to protecting lives, maintaining security, and serving citizens. I am grateful to our national leadership for their relentless efforts in promoting gender equality and providing women with countless opportunities."
The exemplary achievements of ACP Kampire, PC Mukamuhoza, and other trailblazing women highlight Rwanda's National Police as a global role model, integrating gender equity across critical security sectors. This leadership sends a powerful message globally about the potential of empowering women within all organizational realms.
Women in Leadership Roles
Over the 25 years since its inception, Rwanda National Police has transformed its gender landscape. Initially, female officers were scarce, often confined to administrative or investigative roles. Today, the statistics tell a different story—making Rwanda a leader in advancing gender equity within the security sector.
ACP Teddy Ruyenzi, Head of Community Policing, shared her perspective on the transformative journey toward gender equality. She remarked, “In 2000, when Rwanda National Police was established, women comprised only 0.5% of the force, with fewer than 70 female officers mainly focused on secretarial or investigative tasks. Today, women represent 24% of our Police force.”
She continued, "We now have three female Commissioners, over 50 senior officers, and numerous junior officers serving across various departments in security and law enforcement."
Women now lead critical divisions such as the Community Policing unit, the Youth Volunteers Coordination Office, and the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCOE), which focuses on combating gender-based violence and supporting victims. Additionally, DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza serves as Deputy Inspector General of Police, overseeing Administration and Personnel—one of Rwanda National Police's highest leadership roles.
Today, female officers actively contribute to traffic policing, marine rescue missions, canine units, and specialized safety operations—redefining societal perceptions, encouraging next-generation leadership, and advocating for equality in the workplace.
The Impact of Gender Inclusion Reforms
Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruth Mbabazi, Director of Gender Promotion, highlighted the success achieved through institutional reforms. “We are proud of the achievements thus far. Female officers now receive equal access to training, leadership opportunities, and high-ranking positions where critical decisions are made. Other milestones include our Gender Promotion Department, Women Police Convention initiatives, and promotions recognizing exemplary service,” she stated.
She detailed key milestones like Rwanda’s women-led peacekeeping group (RWAFPU), which serves global missions in South Sudan under UNMISS, alongside new recruitment policies allowing women officers greater proximity to their homes. Female officers now participate in international peacekeeping assignments and leadership-focused training programs across various domains.
SP Mbabazi concluded by celebrating female officers' professional contributions toward sustainable peace. “Women involved in conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and tackling critical social issues create compassionate yet robust solutions. They excel in combating gender-based violence, standing out as advocates for vulnerable women and children worldwide."
The last 25 years have demonstrated the impactful results of prioritizing gender inclusion within Rwanda National Police. This transformative progress asserts that genuine inclusivity and collaboration are vital pillars for global peace and sustainable growth.
