Women in men's professions

A policewoman, chief of the Almaty Juvenile Police Department Zhanna Shonzhanova serves alongside her male colleagues, achieves good results and builds a career. She has been serving for over 15 years. She dreamed of becoming a police officer since childhood. When the time came to choose a profession, she realized that she wants to protect children. In the Minors’ Affairs Inspectorate, the woman helped dozens of teenagers to not break down and return to normal life.

“I like working with children. I like working with parents because the first thing we do is help. First of all, we provide assistance to children and parents, particularly, families in difficult situations. We direct them to all authorities, to mayoral offices, commissions on juvenile affairs,” the policewoman said.

Zhanna Shonzhanova admits that the objective appraisal of her work is when many troubled teenagers, becoming adults, choose the right path in life, find happiness, build families. They come to their beloved lieutenant colonel to thank for everything she has done for them.

“In general, I believe that women do a good job because of the qualities that are purely inherent in women – attentiveness, accuracy, responsibility. Of course, there are stressful situations, constant tension. But if you love work, no difficulties can then frighten you,” the woman added.

In total, more than 700 women serve in the Almaty police. Despite the fact that there are many more men, everyone works equally.

Translation by Saniya Sakenova

Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova