DUSHANBE, November 30, 2013, Asia-Plus -- The U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Office, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, has completed an intensive six-week Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP) for ten female law enforcement officers in Dushanbe, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said.

The training was conducted by INL contractor The Emergence Group (TEG) at the Police Training Facility from October 21 to November 29, 2013.  The female police officers received instruction on more than 20 topics to enable them to address the issues faced by Tajikistan’s communities, such as domestic violence, suicide among women, youth violence, and human trafficking.  This course was first offered in Khujand in September.

The program aims to teach female police officers operational and investigative skills, with the goal of enhancing the ability of the country’s law-enforcement agencies to meet community needs.  The Ministry of Internal Affairs and its training institutions have been working closely with INL to develop a specialized position description, training program, and set of qualification standards for female patrol officers.

The U.S. Government is committed to supporting Tajikistan’s law enforcement agencies and justice sector institutions and will continue to collaborate with the Government of Tajikistan to ensure safety and security for all citizens.  Since 1992, the American people have provided over $1 billion in programs and humanitarian aid that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education, and economic growth.