The IAWP is delighted to announce that one of its members, Atifete Jahjaga, has been appointed President of the Republic of Kosovo. South East Europe's highest ranking policewoman was announced as Kosovo's President on Thursday, April 7, 2011.
IAWP President Jane Townsley ‘adopted’ President Jahjaga in 2004 under the organisation’s adoptees’ programme, which encourages members to give officers from developing countries mentoring support and friendship. She said today: “I am thrilled for Atifete. She is a superb police officer and a friend. She was put forward as a consensual candidate and won in the first round of voting.
“I know that she values what the IAWP has been able to give her and she will no doubt use that in her new leadership role in Kosovo.”
President Jahjaga, 35, graduated as a police officer in 2000 and by 2009 was appointed Deputy Director General for Kosovo Police, the second person in command for the entire organisation.
In an interview with the IAWP’s WomenPolice magazine last year she urged women police officers throughout the world to consider joining the organisation. In the interview she agreed that organisations which promote and support the unique skills women bring to policing, such as the IAWP, have many benefits. She said: “In a bigger picture, considering the still low presence of females within police organisations, not only in countries in transition but also developed ones, I consider the role of such organisations, nationally and internationally, as of great importance. They are a strong support to women of getting roles they deserve, making nationaland international society aware about possible problems or hindrances and assisting those who need help. They are also the perfect place for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and best practice."
In her inaurgural address President Jahjaga said that one of her immediate goals was to secure membership of the European Union for her country.
IAWP Broadcast April 21, 2011
“I know that she values what the IAWP has been able to give her and she will no doubt use that in her new leadership role in Kosovo.”
President Jahjaga, 35, graduated as a police officer in 2000 and by 2009 was appointed Deputy Director General for Kosovo Police, the second person in command for the entire organisation.
In an interview with the IAWP’s WomenPolice magazine last year she urged women police officers throughout the world to consider joining the organisation. In the interview she agreed that organisations which promote and support the unique skills women bring to policing, such as the IAWP, have many benefits. She said: “In a bigger picture, considering the still low presence of females within police organisations, not only in countries in transition but also developed ones, I consider the role of such organisations, nationally and internationally, as of great importance. They are a strong support to women of getting roles they deserve, making nationaland international society aware about possible problems or hindrances and assisting those who need help. They are also the perfect place for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and best practice."
In her inaurgural address President Jahjaga said that one of her immediate goals was to secure membership of the European Union for her country.
IAWP Broadcast April 21, 2011
