The project incorporates visual, written and spoken accounts of Women in Policing and those who support gender equality and is accompanied by a stunning visual biography available in hardback. Clare Hussain, Chair of the SWDF said: “Through photography, written and spoken testimony you will get a rare glimpse into the stories of some of the women who inspire, lead and devote their energy to policing, community and family. Their varied, exciting and sometimes challenging journeys will enthral the observer. Listening and reading their experiences has been both humbling and incredibly emotional. Their photographs and stories provide an insight and perspective seldom seen by their own colleagues let alone the wider public. Through this project we hope to break down barriers, dispel myths and celebrate our officers and staff in all their wonderful glory for what they do and what they bring to policing and society.”

Photographer and project creator Jenni Stuart is a serving officer within Police Scotland and is the Deputy Chair of the SWDF. Over the course of three years, she has travelled nearly four thousand miles, meeting with each participant and listening to their story - all in her own time. Jenni said: “When I started this project I had the idea that I would take photographs of women in policing alongside documenting their story through a series of questions. I wanted to showcase beyond the uniform or the office they hold and allow others a glimpse into their lives through photography portraiture.

Mo Boyle, Chair of the Comms and Events committee for the SWDF was an integral part of the success of the project and worked with Jenni on designing the book, editing and collating the spoken testimony of the participants. Mo also features in the book, as a retired Inspector with almost 32 years’ service, and talks about her experiences during her career. Mo said: “Although I loved the job, the mantra that ‘you can’t be, what you can’t see’ was very true for me.”

This project is about visibility and diversity, it features participants from Police Scotland, Scottish Police Authority, British Transport Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary and An Garda Siochana.

Jenni travelled as far north as Orkney, to the Island of Islay, to Celtic Park capturing preparations at the Old Firm game, to the parade square at Police Scotland’s Headquarters where the next generation of officers marched on their passing out parade and onto Dublin, Ireland to take part in the International Association of Women Police Conference and to many other places.  With a backpack and a camera, at every stop she would let each shoot evolve, quietly pushing away distractions to allow the visual context of each participant’s life to unfold. Wherever she encountered these stories, the theme of a calling, of a vocation, was almost always there. But she also witnessed struggle, challenge, pain and the strength to overcome, where anything is possible.

Jenni said: “The journey of this project has been the discovery of possibilities, bringing together these stories and how they intersect. I hope it will inspire those currently in the job, those thinking of joining and future generations. These stories matter. I learned very early on the power and importance of storytelling - of lived experience to pass onto the next generation.  Empowering other women to speak, is important to me, just as much as deep listening. This project is an outlet to start a conversation, appreciate lived experience and demonstrate the power of those who have been willing to step up and speak out.”