How a woman in blue balances her life
Policing is not just a job, but a calling – top female cop speaks up about the fraternity.
Administration head and long-serving officer at Honeydew Police station, Captain Claudrine Bens is a living example of the powerful and famous phrase ‘wathinta abafazi wathinta imbokodo’ which means you strike a woman, you strike a rock, in the fraternity.
As we wrap up Women’s Month, Bens, who also fights crime, opened up about what has kept her strong and inspired in the police department for 27 years in services.
“As a woman in blue, it is simply not about the work, but the passion and giving it your best when duty calls,” she said.
She added that balance is very important when tackling matters of the community and matters of your personal life. “You must have empathy and sympathy for the community to be able to serve. You should be able to balance your life because you endeavor cruel and sad situations,” Bens explained.
As the police industry is dominated by males, Bens explained that women face a lot of challenges but most like herself are able to prove that they are as much capable as their male counterparts.
“It’s still a male dominated environment. For us women in blue, we are thrown into the deep end. But I’ve seen many of us [women] that are capable and able to go an extra mile and keep the pace,” said Bens.
Bens, who also serves as an operational duty officer, has built a very strong relationship in the community she serves. She along with another phenomenal female Honeydew officer Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs attend to community events and discuss crime prevention tips with residents.
Bens was recently a guest at a Women’s Day function in Weltevreden Park where police were invited to engage women about safety tips as crime persists in the area.
“The protection of women must not only be done during the month of August but in each every day of our lives,” she said firmly.
“A woman is a very precious being because it really takes a lot to become a mother or a sister,” Bens explained, also encouraging that, “Women must see themselves as important as they a lay a very good foundation for their kids and families.”
Bens also lured women to join policing but also warned that the applicants’ desire should be driven with passion and dedication to serving. “Joining the police department should be a calling. If one joins because they just wanted employment, those won’t cope because this job takes a lot in a person,” she concluded.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
