Indonesia is set to host the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Conference in Bali from September 20-24, 2026, marking a significant moment for global collaboration among women in law enforcement. The event will bring together police officers, leaders, and practitioners from across the world to share experiences, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote gender-responsive policing. Hosting the conference in Bali underscores Indonesia’s commitment to advancing women’s roles in security and justice, while also providing a platform for international dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing women in uniform.

The conference is particularly important given the historical underrepresentation of women in policing and protection services worldwide. By convening female officers in Bali, the IAWP aims to highlight best practices in leadership, survivor-centered approaches, and community engagement, while also addressing persistent barriers such as institutional bias and infrastructure gaps. The gathering will showcase how women officers are reshaping policing cultures, improving access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence, and challenging entrenched patriarchal norms within law enforcement institutions.

Beyond professional development, the Bali conference carries symbolic weight. Women in uniform have long been seen as exceptions, but their growing visibility across countries, from India’s police forces to Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, signals a global shift. A woman commanding a battalion or leading a police district challenges traditional assumptions about authority and gender. By hosting this international event, Indonesia positions itself at the forefront of efforts to normalise women’s leadership in policing, sending a powerful message to young women worldwide that security and justice are no longer exclusively male domains.

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