BRISBANE – The Queensland Police Service (QPS) in partnership with the Muslim groups; ‘Sisters Support Services’ and ‘Muslimah Mind Matters’ created the ‘SHE Program’ to intensify the relationship between Australian Muslims and female Police officers in North Brisbane District, My Police reported on December 6.
The SHE Program was delivered by the Detective Inspector, Karen Ballantyne, over four workshops. The one-day events were conducted across the Brisbane Region bringing over 200 Muslim and Police women together to learn from each other, removing barriers and embracing their differences.
“While building bridges between the police and Muslim women was the actual initiative, I felt it was a lot more about embracing our similarities,” Ms. Angela Ishaq from Sisters Support Services said.
“New friendships formed between the police and the Muslim women. Respect, trust and understanding were the three key elements that were achieved,” she expressed.
The workshops were attended by over 130 Muslim women from diverse cultures and over 30 Muslim countries including Afghanistan, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, KSA, Lebanon, Bosnia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
On the other hand, over 50 female Police Officers attended the workshops, providing the community with an opportunity to meet and talk with officers. QPS officers were also joined by other emergency services personnel.
Fruitful Feedback
Aliyah Berger of Sisters Support Services said: “we’ve had the opportunity to share experiences and have learnt so much from each other. We’ve dispelled myths about culture and religion whilst learning about personal safety.”
“Together we have worked towards embracing differences, broadening horizons, resulting in a more cohesive harmonious community with new friendships forged,” she continued.
Both Muslim and police guest speakers, empowered women in the Muslim community by enhancing their resilience, self-confidence, personal safety, online safety, social media, knowledge of Queensland laws, referral and support services available to help them and their families.
Ballantyne said the SHE Program achieved more than connecting Muslim and Police women; “this experience has changed their perceptions of each other, and we continue to build stronger relationships together.”
On her behalf, Iqra Lakshman of Muslimah Mind Matter said: “the QPS SHE events epitomized the innovative approach that organisations need to adapt in order to understand their community.”