The Motivation in Becoming and Remaining in the Police Service and Gender – Related Problems of Policewomen in Western Batangas

As the police force performs important functions in society, men and women alike are attracted to enter this job. However, it can be noted that there is a preponderance of male over female in the police service which is true in the Philippines. With this scenario, female police officers may have experienced difficulties in performing their duties and responsibilities. The study surveyed the profile, motivation to enter the police service, work motivation, gender – related problems and its perceived effect to the job performance of policewomen from five municipalities in Western Batangas, Philippines. It used descriptive research method with questionnaire as data – gathering instrument back –up with interviews. There were only 14 female police officers mostly young, married, bachelor’s degree holder, had been in the service for 1-5 years and were PO1. They were motivated to enter and remain in the police service because of the police uniform, service to country men, and implementation of law and justice. Gender – related problems they experienced were perceived to be affecting their performance to the least extent as they received very satisfactory job performance rating. Conclusions reached were that female police officers were motivated to enter and remain in the service for different reasons and most did not feel discriminated.

Keywords – gender equality, gender sensitivity, employees’ motivation, policewoman, descriptive study, Philippines