When is International Women's Day? Celebrate women, including El Paso police, March 8

More than 80 years ago, two women broke barriers when the pair applied for positions as police clerks with the El Paso Police Department, paving the way for women to become officers, according to El Paso police.

In 1942, a newspaper advertisement sought out a full-duty policewoman, and in 1974, the first five women graduated from the El Paso Police Academy and took the oath to protect and serve, the El Paso Police Department website states.

Today, 171 women serve as officers in EPPD, which has a force of about 1100 police officers, officials said.

Though the number of women behind the badge continues to grow, Detective Judy Oviedo said she hopes more are inspired to commit their lives to public service.

"I think when anyone decides to go into law enforcement, they have the desire to make a difference in their community," Oviedo said. "I definitely think it's a calling driven by values of service, courage and integrity."

With 17 years of service under her belt, the detective now works in EPPD's public affairs department, but Oviedo began as a recruit enforcing roads on patrol and was promoted to the Crimes Against Children Unit.

Serving as a woman in these roles is an advantage and brings unique perspectives and values, she said.

"I think we have a different approachability," Oviedo said. "We may seem a little more empathetic and that can bridge gaps in our community. We're more accessible."

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Oviedo also broke barriers by being the only woman to be a certified bomb technician in the department.

Historically, it's not held by many women, Oviedo said.

"I think being a female police officer has presented a unique set of challenges," Oviedo said. "My approach was to let people see I am effective as a female in my work; policing is not gender specific."

Oviedo said the department values women from diverse backgrounds and talents. Most recently, professional boxer Stephanie Han announced she joined the force on social media.

"Cop. Boxer. Mom. Proud to be part of EPPD, grateful for the opportunity to follow my dream, and beyond blessed to be a mother," the post said.

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Han also posted a photo of herself in EPPD's iconic blue and navy police uniform alongside a photo of her in the ring and her two children.

"I think it helps when we're seen out there to inspire future generations," Oviedo said. "It shows it's attainable."

While the profession serves the community, Oviedo said she also recognizes the change of recruits over the progression of their careers and the confidence gained by women officers after overcoming challenges and breaking stereotypes within the department.

"It makes me happy when I retire there will continue to be an influx of women coming into the department," she said. "I don't think I could ever say that's enough; we always want females. The more women, the better the evolution of the department will be."

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political, according to the United Nations.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Happy International Women's Day: Female officers of El Paso police