Women In Policing: Challenging Misogyny in the Workplace

Description

Overview:
Misogyny has long been debated as a feature of police ‘culture’. Despite reforms, misogynistic attitudes and behaviours amongst officers endure. Much of the current research speaks to the implications of this ‘culture’ on external considerations, such as public trust and confidence. This knowledge exchange event explores the issue from a seldom heard perspective, i.e., women police officers. In June 2024, Dr Chris Magill, from the University of Brighton recruited eight recent leavers from the police, all women, and spoke to them about misogyny and sexism they had experienced from other officers whilst officers themselves. The research used a unique format of a ‘research retreat’ as a non-extractive, reciprocal space of listening and care. At this knowledge exchange event, the initial findings from the research was shared. The event also showcased a short audio-film produced as part of the research. This captures the authentic voices of the women, their experiences and the impact. The event coincided with the introduction of the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) designed to strengthen existing protection for workers against sexual harassment. Whilst this event centred the voices of the experts by experience, i.e. women police officers, and acknowledged the harm done, the tone was non-confrontational and discussions future-orientated.

Contributors:
This knowledge exchange event was organised by Chris Magill. She also presented at the event alongside Professor Catherine Robinson, Dean at the School of Business and Law; Dr Catherine Kelly (University of Brighton); and Emma Clarke, film producer from Purple Door Media (https://purpledoormedia.com/). Additional support from Niamh Burns (PhD Student at University of Brighton) and Jess Hoult (consultant facilitator).

Delegates:
There was representatives from Sussex Police, Police Federation from England and Wales, Brighton Women's Centre and South Wales Police. Academics from University of Brighton and other HEIs attended the event as did the women former police officers who participated in the original research and contributed to the audio-film.

Funding:
The University of Brighton research was funded by Research England and the University of Brighton. The event is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Period	30 Nov 2029
Event type	Other
Location	Brighton, United KingdomShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National