WPC takes on Taliban ...and male prejudice
THEY were scorned by men in the street and put in fear of their lives in the one of world’s most sexually oppressive countries.
But a British police officer has transformed 14 brave pioneers into Afghanistan’s first fully fledged female police division.
Inspector Isabella McManus, 45, was one of 10 MoD officers sent to Helmand province to advise the Afghanistan National Police service.
And the single mother had to fight her corner when she decided to train the women.
Speaking from Afghanistan last night Ms McManus said: “I had heard amazing things about these women – heroic stories of them fighting the Taliban.
But when I saw them for the first time they seemed beaten and they were treated appallingly.
“There have been plenty of challenges – mysteriously disappearing paperwork necessary for kit, things like that.
“And then you get the looks from men who don’t approve of what you’re doing.”
Women were invited to join the Afghan police after liberation from the Taliban in 2001. Despite death threats a few volunteered.
An officer named Miriam said: “I think of myself as equal to the men. They don’t agree but I feel right doing this job. There are only a few of us but we can boost the morale of women here. What we are doing is good for the future of women.”
Ms McManus said: “It wasn’t my job to mentor the women specifically but they struck a chord with me. Now they are empowered and it’s one of the most satisfying feelings.”