On the occasion of International Women’s Day, celebrated every March 8, Saïd Sayoud, Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, commended the historic commitment of Algerian women to national construction and their growing role in institutions, particularly within national security, during the official ceremony he chaired Saturday evening in Algiers.
Sayoud immediately affirmed that March 8 transcends a mere calendar symbol to embody “a universal day of recognition and tribute to women’s struggles and contributions in all areas of life,” in his speech delivered at the ceremony organized at the Ali Tounsi Higher Police School in Châteauneuf, Algiers, in the presence of the Director General of National Security, Ali Badaoui, as well as numerous national figures.
Evoking the journey of the Algerian woman, he highlighted her historic and decisive role in defending national sovereignty and building the country. Declaring that “the Algerian woman defies description. She is the symbol of courage and sacrifice, and her history is marked by honorable positions that have shaped the nation’s glory and protected its sovereignty.”
Sayoud took care to recall the legacy of women who marked the country’s history, from mothers of martyrs to fighters in the War of Liberation, emphasizing that their commitment remains a source of inspiration for current generations.
The ceremony was held in the presence of iconic figures from the national struggle, notably the moudjahidate Zohra Drif, Djamila Boupacha, Zohra Ounissi, and Yamina Tounsi, whose participation gave the event a highly symbolic dimension.
The minister recalled that throughout the various stages of national history, “Algerian women have known how to shoulder with determination the responsibilities entrusted to them, contributing to preserving national cohesion and building society.”
In the context of contemporary Algeria, Sayoud praised the remarkable progress of women’s presence in various state sectors, particularly within security forces.
Noting that “women today distinguish themselves by their contributions in many fields, including uniformed services, where they hold positions of responsibility and carry out specialized operational missions.” He assured that “the Algerian woman has proven she can compete with men in many areas. Competence and merit know neither gender nor limits.”
The minister thus revealed that the National Security forces currently include 20,833 women, forming an essential link in the security apparatus and actively contributing to maintaining public order, fighting crime, and supporting development.
In addition to operational missions, women also hold an increasingly important place in the administrative and organizational structures of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN). Thus participating in improving service operations and modernizing services offered to citizens. The ceremony featured the screening of a documentary titled “Women on the Front Line,” tracing the journey of several policewomen who have accessed various roles within National Security through their skills.
In this perspective, Sayoud indicated that “the upcoming structural reorganization should enable more female executives to access high-responsibility positions,” thereby confirming recognition of their skills and commitment.
Furthermore, the Interior Minister emphasized that these advances fit within the national policy aimed at promoting women’s role, driven by President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Noting that the public authorities’ orientations have opened new prospects for female talent, enabling them to fully contribute to the country’s development and the general interest.