ALLYSHIP
What is Allyship?
Allyship is the active practice of supporting, advocating for, and standing alongside those who face barriers or inequities. In policing, allyship means using one’s position, influence, and voice to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that women and underrepresented groups are not only present, but empowered to thrive.
The Purpose of Allyship
Listening and Learning
Understanding the lived experiences of others.
Advocating and Amplifying
Speaking up and creating space for voices that are often unheard.
Challenging Barriers
Addressing systemic inequities and cultural norms that limit progress.
Building Trust
Fostering environments where all members feel valued, respected, and supported.
Allyship and 30Forward
Allyship is a cornerstone of the 30Forward movement. While the initiative is focused on advancing women in policing, real change cannot happen without the active participation of all members, women, men, leaders, peers, and allies across the profession.
Through 30Forward, allyship is:
Encouraged in Mentorship – recognizing that mentors can be women and men, and that allyship is critical to effective mentorship relationships.
Built into Training – embedding allyship as a pillar of leadership and culture change.
Central to Collaboration – breaking down silos across Canada to create a national network of support and shared responsibility for equity in policing.
Why Allyship Matters
Allyship is a vital driver of change in Canadian policing:
It helps create safer, more inclusive workplaces where diverse perspectives are recognized as strengths.
It supports recruitment, retention, and advancement by ensuring women and underrepresented members feel supported throughout their careers.
It strengthens leadership pipelines, making organizations more resilient, innovative, and reflective of the communities they serve.
It builds accountability, ensuring progress toward equity is not left solely to those most impacted by inequities.
How to Be an Ally
Practical actions for everyday impact in policing:
Listen Actively
Create space for colleagues to share their experiences without interruption or judgment.
