Fortunately, the now Acting Deputy Commissioner of Tasmania Police said things had come a long way in the past three decades.

Deputy Commissioner Adams is the highest ranking female officer in Tasmania, and on Thursday was among three emergency service personnel who shared their story as part of a luncheon ahead of International Women's Day on March 8.

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Hosted by the Clifford Craig Foundation, this year's event was a celebration of women on the frontline and also featured guest speakers from Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Fire Service.

For Deputy Commissioner Adams, International Women's Day is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate achievements, while inspiring others to challenge existing barriers.

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Admitting the past 12 months had been particularly challenging for women on the frontline, Deputy Commissioner Adams said there was real comradery across departments, including a shared goal to keep Tasmanians safe.

"Each of the different services, there is support and mentoring. We want to see each other do well and obviously increase the number of emergency services [personnel] who are women," she said.

"My responsibility and commitment for the next 12 months is to make sure I mentor as many of the Tasmanian police women as I can. It's always difficult to not get caught up in the day to day business.

"But it's really important to get out and make sure that you do provide that mentoring and support to others, so they don't necessarily face the barriers that I did."

Deputy Commissioner Adams was just 21 years old when she entered the police force more than 30 years ago.

With the them of this year's International Women's Day being "Choose To Challenge", she said was proud to now be in a position of leadership, with the potential to inspire others.

"I think policing is a job that's 101 jobs in one. You don't know what you're going to do when you turn up to work each day, and I think that excitement around the challenge, but also being able to help the community," she said.

"It's such a privilege to be able to touch base with Tasmanians, and know they are grateful for their service."

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