Today is International Women’s Day, a day that marks a call for a gender equal world - free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination and one that is diverse, equitable, inclusive where differences are valued and celebrated. The men and women of the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) stand together, in solidarity with others around the world, with a commitment to #BreakTheBias.

We celebrate the women who currently serve our community and thank them for their strong leadership as well as pay tribute to the women who have previously served for their efforts in breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Today, 16 of the 111 police officers in Medicine Hat are women and they are strong contributors to the community and the organization. The MHPS hopes to encourage others to follow in their footsteps and consider policing as a career. While women have always been an essential part of the workforce from the earliest days of the MHPS, they serve in increasingly diverse roles and offer their professional expertise in areas such as management, municipal bylaw enforcement, communications, information technology, data analysis, victim services and more.

This day also marks a call to action to accelerate women's equality and to support this goal the MHPS pledges to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in our community. Over the next year, starting on April 8, 2022, we will select one local woman per month to highlight and celebrate. Anyone who wishes to nominate a strong role model in our community can do so by submitting suggestions by email to mhps@mhps.ca for consideration. The nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of women who serve with the MHPS and each month they will select and arrange meet with the winner to celebrate her accomplishments.

The women's struggle for equality belongs to no single person or to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights. We hope that on International Women's Day you will join us to consider what you can do to make a positive difference for women as focusing on gender equity today will build a sustainable future for everyone tomorrow.