​With the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 coming up in October 2025, it is improtant to acknoledge the contributions of women in peace and security across the globe. From leadership roles in Iceland's police force to peacekeeping missions in Western Sahara, these women exemplify the transformative impact of inclusive participation.​

In Iceland, significant strides have been made toward gender equality within the national security sector. Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir serves as the National Commissioner of the Police, the first woman to hold this position. She emphasises that "women bring unique perspectives and life experiences that enhance empathy, communication, and trust within the community, particularly in times of crisis." In addition to her leadership, women head critical divisions in Iceland, including the International and Border Management Division and the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL. Additionally, four out of ten seats on the Police Council are held by women, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and mentorship. Guðjónsdóttir asserts that achieving equality requires active cultural change, collaboration with male leaders, and transparent data assessment to create a more representative and effective police force.

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Iris Björg Kristjansdóttir, Head of the International and Border Management Division at the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, underscores the importance of dismantling barriers to women's participation in senior management roles. She notes that "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." Kristjansdóttir highlights initiatives such as INTERPOL's Female Heads of National Central Bureaus network, which fosters collaboration and mentorship among female leaders in global policing. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive police culture and empower female officers to assume leadership roles within their communities.

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The role of women in peacekeeping is exemplified by Major Dana Zhamaliyeva of Kazakhstan. As a military observer in the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), she emphasises that "female peacekeepers are the vital force in building a safer world." Zhamaliyeva's extensive preparation included language studies, physical fitness assessments, and specialised training in Switzerland. Her deployment underscores the critical role of women in fostering trust and understanding within local communities during peacekeeping operations.

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As Iceland continues to lead in global gender equality rankings, its approach serves as a model for integrating women's voices in peace and security. The experiences of leaders like Guðjónsdóttir, Kristjansdóttir, and Zhamaliyeva illustrate that inclusive participation enhances operational effectiveness and contributes to the development of more just and peaceful societies.​