Luanda - The Angolan Home Affairs minister, Roberto Leal Monteiro "Ngongo", Tuesday in Luanda highlighted the achievements attained by police women of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which contribute to the strengthening of sub-regional corporation.

He was addressing an opening ceremony of the first course of Command and Leadership for high ranking officers from Sub-Committee of SADC Police Women Network, running till 16 March in Luanda.

"Having attained the professional achievement in this branch, it was previously thought that it only belonged to men, but now women have expressed their determination to break with the taboos and prejudice still existing and reaffirming their courage," said the minister.

He added that the gender is an important component in the world and women should find the place and the role they have achieved through some commitment and perseverance shown during the evolution of the society.

The course involved 33 police officers from member countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), except Madagascar.

The SADC Network of Police Women is a sub-regional organ for the Cooperation of Police Chief Officers of Southern Africa (SARPCCO) aimed at uniting all female police officers of the member countries based in the region.

SADC integrates Angola, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Madagascar (suspended), Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, DR Congo, Mauritius and Malawi.