POLICE Commissioner Shanta Knowles addressed global law enforcement leaders on the importance of women in policing as she led The Bahamas’ delegation to the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, this week.

Commissioner Knowles was joined by Jerusa Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Senior Assistant Commissioner Dwight Adderley, Director of the Security Intelligence Branch; and Superintendent Royann Russell Collie, Head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau.

The assembly, held from November 24–27, brought together delegates from member countries to discuss key policing priorities, including dismantling transnational organised crime networks, targeting global scam operations, expanding INTERPOL’s policing capabilities and advancing women’s leadership in law enforcement.

With the majority of country delegations led by men, the role of women in policing emerged as a prominent theme during the sessions. Commissioner Knowles spoke before the assembly on women in leadership, noting both the global need for equitable representation and the lessons drawn from The Bahamas’ own experience.

“Advancing women’s leadership in policing is not simply an aspiration — it is a strategic imperative,” she told delegates. “When women are empowered to lead, our institutions benefit from stronger decision-making, deeper community trust, and more effective operational outcomes.”

She reflected on her appointment as the first woman to lead the Royal Bahamas Police Force, saying intentional mentorship and creating space for women to “rise, contribute and lead authentically” were essential to achieving progress.

Commissioner Knowles also highlighted her track record prior to becoming Commissioner, including making history as the first woman to command the Criminal Investigation Department, and later overseeing policing operations in the northern Bahamas as an Assistant Commissioner.

“While resources were limited, success was achieved through strengthening community partnerships through our ‘Clear, Hold and Build’ strategy,” she said.

She urged member countries to turn shared lessons into lasting action: “We must ensure women are not only represented but fully equipped and empowered to shape the future of global policing. Through INTERPOL’s platform, we can continue to champion this change together.”

While in Morocco, the Bahamian delegation held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Morocco, Japan, France, Kenya, Ethiopia and Canada. Elections for INTERPOL leadership positions are scheduled for November 27.