KARACHI, Oct 21: Women cops associated with the police department feel the urgent need for a changed social perception towards their very status and position.

Ladies associated with the Karachi police in different capacities, during a recent survey, made evident that while they command a certain amount of respect of their colleagues as well the masses if directly appointed to officers’ cadre on basis of education, the situation for those appointed in lower grades is nothing to be cherished about.

Ironically, however, gender-based discrimination, with special reference to promotion and deputation abroad, was noticed to have significantly affected women officers working even in the ranks of Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent Police, respectively.

It was only due to the presence of a far-sighted and broad- minded chief that a few lady police officers, during the last few years, could avail the chance of joining the United Nations police force to serve in different parts of the world. Otherwise, bitter opposition was raised even by their educated colleagues willing to clinch the appointments.

There was again no dearth of instances where senior-ranking women officers were denied privileges enjoyed by male officers of the same ranks.

The scenario can most definitely be attributed to the rampant negative attitude towards womenfolk, generally considered incapable of undertaking responsibilities of severe nature, since chivalry, shrewdness and boldness are generally considered to be the domain of menfolk.

Gender-based disparity in police service could also be stated as an outcome of the social system based on status or rank and not on performance and steadfastness.

The most pathetic was observed to be the plight of women constables requiring the minimum educational qualification of Matric, further compromised under special conditions to accommodate widows or daughters of cops killed during official duty.

These women deemed as soft targets were noticed to have little opportunities for professional training or any chance to polish their skills as cops.

Interviews by a large majority of these cops revealed that they were equally stigmatized by the society as by their male colleagues. But owing to a certain inherent privilege and general acceptability, the situation was not as bad for junior cadre policemen as was for women cops. Assistant Sub-inspectors are to be appointed against the minimum qualification of Intermediate and Sub-inspectors are needed to be graduates.

These women, while reluctant to express their woes, cited low pay-scale as a major cause of their misery. There were also many women officers who stressed assertiveness while dealing with their male colleagues as well as the masses.—APP