WILTSHIRE Police is one of 43 police forces who has signed up to back a gender equality movement.

As part of International Women's Day (March 8), police forces across England and Wales have made a commitment to back the United Nations (UN) HeForShe movement.

HeForShe is a worldwide campaign encouraging people to stand together in support of gender equality, calling on both men and women to create a shared vision of equality that can benefit all.

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Chief constable Kier Pritchard said: “For me, diversity is about building an organisation that is enriched by the talents of its people and truly reflecting the diverse communities we are here to serve.

"I am fully committed to achieving gender equality and I am proud to sign up to this important pledge and make sure we deliver on it.”

By joining the movement, police have agreed to discuss gender equality in the workforce and improve inbalances in senior positions, continue working against domestic and sexual abuse in the community, and back the annual reporting of gender equality information.

Chief constable Giles York of Sussex Police, who leads HeForShe for police forces nationally, said: "This International Women’s Day marks a positive step towards achieving gender equality.

"Police forces throughout the UK have stood together and made a commitment to achieve gender balances within policing."