Santo Domingo, March 1, 2024. In a resolute effort to promote diversity, gender equality, and female leadership within law enforcement, the Passenger, Cargo, and Border Management Team (PCBT) conducted the Second Regional Meeting of the Women's Network for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) from February 28 to March 1.

Held in Santo Domingo on the eve of International Women's Day, the event was made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic and the Government of Canada. Representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Paraguay participated in the dialogue aimed at fostering the inclusion, empowerment, and non-discrimination of women in law enforcement, a field traditionally dominated by men. Building upon the success of the previous regional meeting, this gathering utilized a collaborative methodology, emphasizing networking among participants and the exchange of experiences.
Key topics addressed during the sessions included strengthening the role of women officers in PCBT agencies; increasing their participation in decision-making and leadership positions; promoting gender equality policies in security matters; and sharing advances, challenges, and best practices. Additionally, the meeting focused on enhancing skills in gender-responsive data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as fostering an inclusive organizational culture within units. Mr. Ramón Quiñones, Director of Security and Defense at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, inaugurated the meeting and invited delegates from Latin America and the Caribbean to seize the event "to share and strengthen the efforts we carry out from our respective institutions against organized transnational crime."
The Ambassador of Canada to the Dominican Republic, Jacqueline DeLima Baril, expressed gratitude for the leadership of the convening organizations, stating, "We are pleased to be part of joint efforts to combat transnational organized crime, prevent and respond to illicit drug trafficking, as well as improve border security and facilitate legitimate trade, promoting the role of women officers in this important work."
The commitment to gender equality and inclusion in law enforcement was further underscored when PCBT conducted an assessment for the adaptation of the Women's Professional Development Program. This assessment aims to adapt and bring to Latin America and the Caribbean the UNODC-ONUV Gender Award Winners Initiative 2022, which previously succeeded in Southeast Asia and Eastern and Southern Africa.
With a focus on advocating for women's leadership, the PCBT Women's Network remains dedicated to continuing its initiatives, including ongoing annual regional meetings in Latin America and the Caribbean and other implementation regions.