ANALYZING GENDERED EXPERIENCES IN POLICING OF RETIRED POLICEWOMEN

This study aimed to examine the gendered experiences in policing of retired policewomen from the Philippine National Police (PNP). This also focused on the perception of the co-researchers on the duties and responsibilities of policewomen, the impact on their personal and professional relationships, the contribution of policewomen in the police service, and the challenges they encountered while performing their duties and responsibilities. The study utilized the phenomenological approach. Six primary themes were developed from the study which include: 1) Considerations Given to Policewomen, 2) Taking on Responsibility: Part of Police Duty, 3) Perception of Conflict Between Work and Family, 4) Developing Positive Relationships, 5) Multifaceted Roles of Women in the Police Service, and 6) Keeping Positive Attitude despite Challenges. It was revealed that the most difficult challenge faced by the co-researchers was balancing family life and career in the police service. While it was revealed that gender-stereotyping at work is still present in the police organization, the co-researchers did not consider it a problem but see it as a consideration given to policewomen. Therefore, the Philippine National Police should develop more family friendly policies to help police officers especially policewomen to balance their work and family life and perform effectively in their respective work assignments without sacrificing their family responsibilities.