The Role of Women in the Police Force: Building Inclusive Community Security

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvhLcYobioI

More than a year ago, an in-depth interview we conducted with Brigadier General Hibo Saalax Siciid offered a rare and illuminating look into the role of women within Somaliland’s security institutions, particularly the Police Force. Having joined the police in 2007 and steadily risen through the ranks to become the highest-ranking woman in the force, as well as Deputy Commandant of the Somaliland Police Officers’ Academy, her professional journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience, competence, and leadership that challenges long-standing institutional and cultural barriers.

Yet Brigadier General Hibo’s story is not merely one of personal success. It is a clear demonstration of why Somaliland urgently needs a national security strategy that fully recognizes, strengthens, and institutionalizes the role of women across its law enforcement architecture.

Women and Community Trust

One of the most critical insights Brigadier General Hibo shared during the interview was the indispensable role women play in building trust between the police and the community. Many women are reluctant to report crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or other sensitive offenses when they are confronted only by male officers. This hesitation is rooted in cultural norms, fear of stigma, and concerns about personal safety and dignity.

This challenge is not unique to Somaliland. It is a global phenomenon observed in societies across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. The solution, however, has proven consistent: the presence of trained female officers dramatically increases reporting, cooperation, and information-sharing.

The establishment of dedicated women’s desks at police stations has therefore become a crucial security measure. These desks provide a safe, confidential environment where women can speak openly without fear or shame. They are not symbolic additions to police stations; they are practical tools that strengthen crime prevention, victim protection, and overall public safety.

Training and Institutional Awareness

The effectiveness of women in policing does not rest on numbers alone. It depends equally on training and institutional awareness. As Brigadier General Hibo explained, male officers within the Somaliland Police Force are trained to recognize situations in which women may feel intimidated or unwilling to disclose critical information.

When such situations arise, procedure dictates that a female officer be requested to take over the interview, even if that officer must be called in from another unit. This approach reflects a more advanced understanding of security, one that goes beyond enforcement and punishment.

It recognizes that community security is built on psychological safety, social sensitivity, and respect. Law enforcement succeeds not only through authority, but through trust, empathy, and the ability to listen.

A National Debate Beyond Policing

The lessons from Brigadier General Hibo’s experience extend far beyond the police force itself. They speak to a broader national conversation about women’s roles across all branches of security and defense.

Somaliland faces evolving security challenges, ranging from community-level crime to border security and regional instability. In this context, excluding half of the population from meaningful participation in security institutions is not just unjust; it is strategically unsustainable.

Women are not only victims in need of protection. They are leaders, mediators, investigators, and guardians of public order. When systematically trained, properly resourced, and given access to leadership positions, women measurably improve the quality, legitimacy, and effectiveness of security institutions.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the example set by Brigadier General Hibo Saalax Siciid delivers a clear message: the capacity of women in security is proven, not experimental. Somaliland’s pursuit of lasting, community-based security depends on fully integrating women at every level of law enforcement, from frontline policing to national strategic decision-making.

This is not merely a question of gender equality. It is a matter of national interest, public trust, and effective governance. A security system that reflects the society it serves is stronger, more credible, and better equipped to protect it.