Andorra's Agent Clara Etchemendigaray Promotes Women in Policing via ENP Network

Agent Major Clara Etchemendigaray Millan, Andorra's representative to the European Network of Policewomen (ENP), continues to promote women's visibility in policing through international exchanges and the force's new equality plan.

The 34-year-old officer from Sant Julià de Lòria has served in the police for 12 years, starting in 2014 after passing the entrance exam on her first try despite initial nerves. Previously in administration, she joined driven by a lifelong vocation, supported by family including an uncle in the force. Her roles have included public security, community policing, borders and immigration—her current area—plus training recruits and school awareness sessions.

As ENP delegate—at least the third Andorran in the role—Etchemendigaray links officers across more than 30 countries to share equality strategies. She debuted in 2023 when Andorra hosted a meeting and recently attended the international gathering in Sarajevo. The network addresses internal barriers to women's presence, influence and decision-making, while applying gender perspectives in public interactions.

Women now hold positions across all police areas, including technical specialties like bomb disposal (TEDAX), canine units, scientific policing and the elite intervention group. A female chief commissioner leads at the senior scale's top. "Not all European forces can claim a woman in the elite intervention group," she noted, positioning Andorra strongly among ENP members.

Though numerically male-dominated and visually "masculinitzed," the force shows no pay gap, stigma or need for quotas. Every woman passing exams secures a spot, unlike in larger nations like France or Spain. Women comprise about 10% of the corps, prompting calls for more applicants. Etchemendigaray stressed visibility to counter stereotypes and create role models, similar to efforts for female scientists. Collaborations and ENP publications aid this, alongside benefits for citizens—such as female officers assisting violence victims, minors, searches or female detainees.

Andorra's first equality plan allows her to adapt peer ideas. Eastern European members, newer to these efforts, gain from experiences in France, Spain and Anglo-Saxon countries. The next ENP meeting is due late November, location pending, or possibly 2027.

Etchemendigaray views her ENP work as a shared challenge, opening eyes to adaptable approaches despite Andorra's size. She would choose policing again for its professional growth and public service, and encourage a daughter to follow. "Limits are what we set ourselves," she said.