From 14 to 17 September 2026, the seminar “Women in Leadership” took place in Santiago de Chile, bringing together German and Chilean partners for an intensive professional exchange on gender equality, diversity and the advancement of women in leadership positions within police organisations.
Over several days, the seminar provided a platform for sharing experiences, discussing good practices and examining different institutional approaches to strengthening equal opportunities within the police. Experts from the Berlin Police contributed their professional experience, while representatives from Chile provided insights into their respective institutional perspectives and practices.
Gender Equality and Work-Life Balance
The first thematic sessions focused on the compatibility of family and professional life and on measures and strategies to promote gender equality within police organisations.
Participants discussed how institutional structures and working conditions can support women throughout their professional careers and contribute to equal opportunities. The sessions combined presentations by experts from the Berlin Police with discussions and an exchange of experiences and good practices among the German and Chilean participants.
The dialogue provided an opportunity to compare different approaches and consider how organisational structures can respond to the challenges associated with balancing professional responsibilities, family life and career development.
Career Development and Women in Leadership
A further focus of the seminar was placed on the professional development of women and their access to leadership positions. Discussions addressed selection procedures, promotion processes and recognition mechanisms for women in senior positions.
By bringing together experiences from Germany and Chile, participants were able to examine different institutional approaches and discuss the conditions that can support transparent career paths and the advancement of women within police organisations.
The exchange highlighted the importance of considering gender equality not only as an individual issue, but also as an organisational responsibility that can be reflected in structures, procedures and institutional practices.
Preventing Discrimination and Harassment
Another key topic was the prevention of discrimination, workplace harassment and sexual harassment within police organisations.
Experts from the Berlin Police presented strategies, instruments and measures aimed at preventing such behaviour and creating appropriate institutional frameworks. The subsequent discussions offered participants the opportunity to share experiences and consider different approaches to prevention and organisational responsibility.
These discussions were complemented by a broader examination of gender and diversity approaches within police organisations, including the administrative structures, measures and instruments that can support their implementation.
High-Level Participation from Chile and Germany
The seminar was accompanied by high-level representatives from Chile and Germany, underlining the importance of the topics addressed and of continued international dialogue in this field.
Among the participants were Marcia Raphael Mora, Undersecretary for Women and Gender Equality, and Susanne Fries-Gaier, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Chile. Representatives of the Carabineros de Chile and other Chilean institutions also took part in the programme.
The seminar concluded with a closing ceremony, including remarks by Inspector General Karina Soza, the highest-ranking woman within the Carabineros de Chile.
International Exchange as a Basis for Institutional Development
For the GS-Foundation, international professional exchange and the sharing of practical experience are important elements in supporting sustainable institutional development within the security sector.
The seminar in Santiago de Chile created a valuable opportunity to bring together different perspectives, discuss practical experiences and identify approaches that can contribute to greater gender equality and diversity within police organisations.
By facilitating dialogue between German and Chilean partners, the seminar also contributed to strengthening professional cooperation and mutual learning. Such exchanges provide an important basis for developing approaches that take account of different institutional contexts while working towards modern, inclusive and resilient security institutions.
