Experiencing difficulties connecting with Muslim women in North Brisbane District was the inspiration for Detective Inspector Karen Ballantyne to create the SHE Program, to build relationships and connect Muslim and Police women in her local community.
The QPS SHE Program, See me Hear me Empower me, was delivered by QPS in partnership with two Muslim community groups, Sisters Support Services and Muslimah Mind Matters over four workshops.
The one-day events were conducted across the Brisbane Region bringing over 200 Muslim and Police women together to learn from each other, removing barriers and embracing their differences.
“While building bridges between QPS and Muslim women was the actual initiative, I felt it was a lot more about embracing our similarities,” Ms Angela Ishaq from Sisters Support Services said.
“New friendships formed between QPS and the Muslim women. Respect, trust and understanding were the three key elements that were achieved.”
The workshops were attended by over 130 Muslim