ICITAP Referenced in United States Government Women, Peace, and Security Congressional Report 2022

On September 13, ICITAP’s Assistant Director for ICITAP Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) announced that in July of 2022, the second iteration of the United States Government Women, Peace, and Security Congressional Report was released, showcasing key milestones from participating departments in the first implementation year of the WPS strategy. ICITAP’s Engaging Multinational Policewomen on Equality and Rights (EMPoWER) Program showcased as key implementer in the Department of State’s advancement of women’s recruitment, retention, and professional development in the justice and security sectors. The congressional report included key metrics and status reports from Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Agency for International Development on key activities supporting the WPS strategy. In this report the CT-Funded ICITAP EMPoWER Program’s initiative to provide advanced leadership and tactical trainings for the Commander of the Kenyan All-Female SWAT Team (AFSWAT) during a week-long study tour was highlighted as a key activity in support of the first line of effort (LEO) in the WPS Strategy under the Department of State’s framework. The study tour is highlighted as an activity that supports the preparation and meaningful participation of women around the world in decision-making processes related to conflict and crises. The excerpt from the WPS Congressional Report is as follows: “CT hosted a Kenyan delegation to Washington as part of the “Engaging Multinational Policewomen [on Equality] and Rights” (EMPoWER) program, which is designed to promote the participation of women police in counterterrorism law enforcement efforts. During the week-long study tour, the commander of the Kenyan All-Female Special Weapons and Tactics (AFSWAT) Team, along with senior leadership of the Kenyan Administrative Policy, visited multiple U.S. law enforcement agencies to learn about improving recruitment, training, and mentorship of women police, and strengthening networking and mentorship opportunities.” ICITAP’s EMPoWER program builds the capacity of foreign counterterrorism law enforcement agencies and contributes to the advancement of women in leadership in the justice and security sectors.