The number of women enrolling in police training programmes is on the decline, with figures dropping from 32% in 2020 to just 26% in 2024, according to data requested by MP Franky Demon (CD&V) from Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR), as reported by De Standaard on Thursday.
In some police academies, the decline is even more pronounced; for instance, in Namur’s police academy, the proportion of female students fell from 40% to 23%. A balanced gender representation is essential for an effective police force, notes criminologist Sofie De Kimpe from VUB, who also highlights the lack of diversity policies.
Gender distribution varies across different police services. Women are more prevalent in logistical and policy roles within the federal police. Nearly half of the staff in the Directorship of Resource and Information Management, including IT, HR, and logistics, are female. However, in judicial and administrative police functions, women’s representation drops to 33% and 22% respectively.
Furthermore, women are significantly more active in administrative and support roles compared to operational field services.
In response to De Standaard’s enquiry, the federal police stated their commitment to promoting workplace diversity.
