Lesson #11: Gender Issues

The construction and perpetuation of gender takes place at both the individual and societal levels. Both are equally important. Individual human beings shape gender roles and norms through their daily activities and reproduce them by conforming to expectations. There is a growing awareness that gender has to be considered also at an institutional level and political level. This lesson will address these issues and the role the police officer can play in ensuring that gender equality is protected and promoted.

The goal of this lesson is to increase the student's sensitivity to gender-specific issues in society and within the police service, and to allow for the development of strategies to ensure discrimination based on gender is not perpetuated.

At the conclusion of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define the term "Gender Equality".
2. State reasons why the issue of gender is important to the police.
3. Outline means by which police officers can ensure gender issues are considered.
4. List four (4) negative issues women face working in the police service.
5. List the three (3) means by which the police officer can ensure gender equality.