Hartek Foundation and Punjab Police Strengthen Gender-Responsive Policing Through Refresher Training Programme

Mohali, June 17, 2026: Hartek Foundation, the CSR arm of the Hartek Group, in partnership with the Community Affairs Division, Punjab Police, successfully conducted a two-day Refresher Training Programme on Gender Sensitization and Mainstreaming of Women Police (PPMMs), at the Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur. The programme reinforces the Foundation's commitment to building inclusive institutions and promoting gender equity.
The programme brought together 74 senior police officers, including 22 Superintendents of Police (SPs) and 54 District Master Trainers from across Punjab. The initiative forms part of a larger effort to institutionalize gender-sensitive policing practices and strengthen the meaningful inclusion and leadership of women within the Punjab Police force.
The training programme was formally inaugurated by Gurpreet Kaur Deo, Special DGP, Community Affairs Division, Punjab Police. Addressing the participants, she underscored the importance of gender sensitization in creating a more citizen-centric police force. She highlighted the impact of the Mainstreaming of Punjab Police Mahila Mitras (PPMMs) initiative, which is currently benefiting over 2,000 police personnel across the state. She emphasized that while police personnel must remain firm in enforcing the law, they must also uphold the principles of community policing through an equitable and empathetic approach.
Speaking on the occasion, Harkirat Kaur, CEO, Hartek Foundation, emphasized the need to move beyond representation and focus on the meaningful integration of women personnel across leadership, decision-making, and operational roles within policing.
She further added, "At Hartek Foundation, we believe that true inclusion is not measured merely by the number of women in the workforce but by the opportunities, responsibilities, and leadership roles they are entrusted with. Gender-responsive policing is essential for building trust, improving service delivery, and creating safer communities. Through this partnership with Punjab Police, we are committed to strengthening institutional capacities and enabling women police personnel to contribute meaningfully across all levels of policing."
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Hartek Foundation and the Community Affairs Division, Punjab Police, towards fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive policing ecosystem while enhancing the participation, retention, and leadership of women within the force.