I talked with my friends recently about the issue of women police officers carrying guns and they all felt that female officers should no longer be allowed to carry them.
However, I do not share their point of view. In the first place, experience in Western countries has shown that armed women officers are no different than their male counterparts.
Before they go on patrol, they have to undergo vigorous physical training, shooting exercises and stamina tests.
Even if they pass all these tests, they then have a simulation test to see if they can remain calm in real-life gun battles.
For example, women applying to become FBI agents in the US are warned about the physical tasks ahead of them.
This ensures that once trained, there will be no shadow of doubt that they are capable of combating crime.
I would like those who are sceptical about policewomen carrying guns, to ask if it is fair to leave them unarmed and vulnerable to attack, even when they have shown they are capable of handling firearms. I am not a feminist, but I strongly believe that woman officers should be treated fairly in this respect.
