Experience with domestic violenceinspired trailblazing Filipina officer to join Winnipeg police

A Filipina police officer in Winnipeg who is being recognized as a trailblazer in her community says her lived experience with violencehelps herconnect with the people she serves.

Winnipeg Police Service Const.Maria Buduhanwas awarded the Pinays Trailblazer Award last month an award given by the groupPinays Manitoba to recognizeFilipino Canadian women who have made importantcontributions to their communities.

Buduhan says a decade-long abusive relationship spurred her to become an advocate for others.

"I wanted to give back.I wanted to make a difference and help other people who may be in a similar situation that I was in, and so that's where I decided to apply for a police constable position with the service," she told hostKeisha Paul in a Saturday interview withCBC Manitoba's Weekend Morning Show.

Her own history makes a difference in her work as a police officer, she said.

"As a police officer with lived experience, I share my story, I sharemy vulnerability, and I find that when I'm able to connect and share my story, it allows for people to see beyond the uniform," saidBuduhan.

"That's what empowers me. It keeps me going and it lets them know that I understand, that I have empathy and I want that same positive outcome for them as well.

"It means so much to build these trusting relationships with organizations and survivors of these crimes."

Pinays Manitobasays Buduhan was honoured for her advocacy, as well as for being a trailblazer as one of few Filipinas in law enforcement.

A 2019 Winnipeg Police Servicesurvey of the makeup of its force foundjust over seven per centcent identified asvisible minorities,and slightly under 16per centwerewomen.

'It's empowering women, and I love that'

Winnie Navarro, the vice-president ofPinays Manitoba, said it's important to recognize the contribution of Filipina women like Buduhan,who are oftenvery humble people.

"They don't promote themselves. They don't speak of their achievements.... It's good for the community to bring awareness to that, because they do their work quietly," she said.

Buduhan is one of five women who were honoured with awards this year more than usual, because theaward luncheon was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, Navarro said.

The other four winners are:

• Gina Trinidad, the regional lead of continuing care and community health services withthe Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
• Mariciel Nuyda, a dean of continuing studies for Booth University College.
• Crystal Paculan, believed to be the first Filipina womanlicensed as a chiropractor in Manitoba.
• Virginia Guiang-Santoro, who was given the Order of Manitoba in 2004 for her advocacy work on behalf of domestic workers.

Navarro says she's proud to represent such women.

"It's empowering women, and I love that," she said.