Major Pamela Villarreal: Building peace through gender equality in the Bolivian Police

From an early age, Pamela’s parents instilled in her the values of responsibility, discipline and integrity. They also nurtured her commitment to serving others, inspiring her to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Throughout her two decades of service, Pamela has worked across several areas of the Bolivian Police, including the former Family Protection Brigade, now the Special Force to Combat Violence (FELCV), the penitentiary system, the Special Force to Combat Crime (FELCC), and the Police University, where she served as an instructor, mentoring new generations of police officers. Her dedication to public service and commitment to continuous learning have earned her numerous distinctions, including national decorations, medals and honorary recognitions.

From 2023 to early 2026, Pamela headed the Gender Unit of the Bolivian Police. With the support of UN Women, the institution developed its first Gender Action Plan for 2022–2025 and, under her leadership, began the development of the new plan for 2026–2030. One of the most significant moments of her career, however, came in 2025, when she contributed to a historic milestone for the country.

Pamela played a key role in the development of Bolivia’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the 117th such plan adopted worldwide. She joined the process led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with technical support from UN Women, under the United Nations Initiative for the Consolidation of a Culture of Peace. The process also brought together 12 other State institutions, alongside the Bolivian Police, civil society organizations and social organizations, strengthening coordination and inter-institutional collaboration.

The National Action Plan was launched in October 2025 as part of Bolivia’s commitments under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which recognizes the different impacts of conflict on women and calls for their full, equal and meaningful participation in peacebuilding processes, including within security institutions.

Pamela’s active involvement throughout the development of the National Action Plan reflected her conviction that its implementation can drive meaningful change by strengthening women’s leadership and promoting greater equality both within the police force and across society. Reflecting on the process, she says: “This is a document that will benefit all women in Bolivia.” 

For Pamela, the National Action Plan translates commitments into concrete actions and has further strengthened her leadership and commitment to advancing women’s rights within the institution, despite the challenges that remain.

Women currently make up only 10 per cent of the Bolivian Police. They also continue to face challenges in balancing caregiving responsibilities with demanding professional careers. Pamela knows this firsthand. She is the mother of two children, aged 19 and 12, and says that motherhood has shaped the way she approaches her work. “Motherhood has allowed me to develop greater sensitivity, resilience and commitment in carrying out the responsibilities I take on every day.”

Looking back on her career, Pamela is certain that choosing to join the police was the right decision. It has enabled her to grow both professionally and personally, while remaining true to her commitment to serving others. “Being a police officer is not simply a profession. It is a lifelong commitment to people, to the community and to the country.”