This week I talked to Sarah-Jayne Bray, who is a passionate supporter of diversity and inclusion; Sarah-Jayne was chair of the SWP Gender Equality Network from 2019 to 2022, chairing the All Wales Gender Equality Network Chair meeting throughout 2021. She is a member of the BAWP and IAWP, supporting the latter with their Communication and Engagement Strategy. She introduced the first IAWP International Buddy Scheme during COVID and saw 40 women from all over the world connect to discuss shared issues.
The interview feels so timely in light of the report that was published today by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, which was ordered after the kidnap, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 by a serving Metropolitan police officer, Wayne Couzens.
The Impact of Sarah Everard's Death
Sarah-Jayne talked about the impact Sarah Everard's death had on police officers and herself as a woman working within the police.
She said, "for women in the service, it felt like, woah, we don't want to be part of this, and then for that to be what we are known for, it's almost like you feel like a traitor to the cause, how can I be a gender equality ally and know that this has happened."
Unwarranted stops on women
The report found officers staged unwarranted stops of women in an abuse of power known as "booty patrols," with crimes such as sexual assault covered up and ignored, along with large-scale harassment of female officers and members of the public.
Gender equality
It feels like we are still so far from gender equality when it appears this unacceptable behaviour against women has been ongoing. As a woman, I was deeply affected when Sarah Everard was murdered, so these findings are worrying.
Culture change
However, with the important work Sarah-Jane is doing, we know that culture change is happening. Sarah-Jayne was keen to reassure our community that important work is being done on these issues.
The required long-term culture change can be achieved through the vital work Sarah-Jayne and others are doing. From what Sarah-Jayne talked about, I am confident we are moving in the right direction, but let's not expect an overnight shift.
Connect with Sarah-Jayne on Linked in here
Read the full report here.
Get in touch
If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in the podcast or you want to share your thoughts email me; [email protected].
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