Take five: “It is vital to remove the barriers to women’s participation in senior management roles in the national security and police sectors as it is a critical factor for building more accountable, inclusive societies and institutions”

Iris Björg Kristjansdóttir is the Head of the International and Border Management Division at the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police. As a passionate advocate for women's leadership in law enforcement, she is committed to implementing initiatives that promote gender diversity, ensure equal opportunities, and empower female officers to take on leadership roles within their communities. Kristjansdóttir previously worked at UN Women as a Peace, Security and Humanitarian Specialist at the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

1. What challenges do women face in leadership positions within the police sector?

Women in policing often confront various systemic barriers, including entrenched gender biases and cultural stereotypes that undermine their capabilities. Limited access to mentorship and networking opportunities can also hinder their professional growth, leading to fewer women in senior leadership roles. These challenges create an uneven playing field, which can discourage talented women from pursuing careers in law enforcement.

2. How is Iceland addressing these challenges?

Iceland is actively working to dismantle these barriers through comprehensive policies that promote gender equality in the police force. As highlighted in the UN Secretary-General's report on Women, Peace, and Security, increasing women’s representation in law enforcement is critical. We have implemented targeted recruitment strategies designed to attract more women into the field and provide training programs that empower female officers. Notably, our police force now has women in some of the highest leadership positions, including the National Commissioner and heads of critical divisions, which paves the way for a more inclusive police culture. The Icelandic government is preparing to launch its next National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, extending through 2027.

3. Why is it important to have more women in policing?

Increasing the number of women in policing is crucial for creating law enforcement agencies that reflect the communities they serve. Women bring unique insights and approaches to problem-solving, particularly in dealing with issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and community relations. Their involvement leads to more effective policing strategies and helps to build stronger, safer communities. The UN emphasizes that women's participation in the security sector contributes to more robust democracies and longer-lasting peace.

4. What initiatives are underway to support women in policing?

One of the key initiatives is INTERPOL's Female Heads of National Central Bureaus network, which provides a collaborative platform for women leaders in global policing. This network encourages the sharing of best practices and fosters peer support among female heads of NCBs. It also plays a significant role in mentoring emerging female leaders and advocating for policies that promote gender diversity within law enforcement agencies.

5. What message do you have for aspiring female leaders in policing?

It is vital to remove barriers to women´s vital participation in the security sector. To foster peace and security more women need to play a critical role as there is ample evidence that there is a direct link between women´s participation and sustainable peace. The current model of excluding women from peace discussions or processes doesn´t seem to be working very well.

Iceland is dedicated partner and supporter of UN Women’s mandate and the second largest donor per capita, championing gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. In Europe and Central Asia, Iceland collaborates with UN Women to address gender-based discrimination and violations of women's human rights in conflict and humanitarian situations. It supports UN Women programs in countries experiencing ongoing wars and conflicts, including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. It also provides assistance to bring women affected by conflicts into the international peacebuilding and conflict resolution platforms and processes.

This story is published as part of "The Past, Present, and Future of Women, Peace, and Security" campaign, commemorating the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, to celebrate the power of peace. The campaign aims to foster a deeper dialogue on equality, justice and peace, honoring the legacies and amplifying the voices of 25 trailblazing women from across Europe and Central Asia whose significant contributions have transformed their communities, societies, and beyond. The content reflects the personal views and experiences of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official position of UN Women, its partners, or the United Nations.