By Emma Kakololo WINDHOEK Annemarie /Goagoses recently became the first female regional commander in the history of the Namibian Police. She received her two stars and eagle insignia on June 1. This means /Goagoses assumes the duties of deputy commissioner. Her promotion makes her one of the only three women in the history of Nampol to be promoted to deputy commissioner after Telephena Kamati and Hilma Tweya. Kamati is now a full commissioner. “It did not come as a surprise for me since I was aspiring to reach decision-making level one day.” She views the perception that women cannot be commanders as a possible challenge she might face in her new position. “Since I am the first woman commander I must prove this myth wrong.” Before her promotion and subsequent deployment to Oshikoto Region, replacing Deputy Commissioner Ananias Muzile, who is now the regional commander of Omaheke, /Goagoses served as Interpol’s Specialized Officer in Harare since 2003. Raised in Karas Region, /Goagoses joined Nampol in 1992 as a student constable and quickly distinguished herself as a very capable and personable police officer. She rose through the ranks garnering valuable experience in international policing. In 1994 she was promoted to sergeant (1) and assumed command of Katutura Police Station. She was in 1995 transferred to Khomas Regional Headquarters as assistant to the station commander and a year later to the Interpol office at the National Police Headquarters as a crime desk officer. In 1999 she was promoted to warrant officer (1) and in 2003 as inspector and seconded to the Interpol Sub-Regional Bureau in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her message to fellow policewomen is: “Self-development and confidence are key to success in the police field. Believe in yourself and try to grow with the organization.” She said that although police have employed more women compared to 10 years ago and have advanced reasonably in different ranks, women still lagged behind in decision-making positions. “Police need a gender responsive budget for the speedy implementation of the National Gender Policy. “You cannot implement a policy if there are no funds.” – Read more about her in our Friday’s edition.