![UNFICYP](https://cdn.cloud.prio.org/images/cyprus panel.jpg?x=1500&y=1000&m=Scale&hp=Center&vp=Center&ho=0&vo=0&)
Last week, Norway made history with Ine Eriksen Søreide becoming the country’s first female foreign minister. Even in relatively gender-equal countries like Norway it is still rare to find women holding top positions in the so-called “hard issue” sectors of foreign affairs and peace and security. Barriers to the full involvement of women in work to prevent and resolve violent conflicts still persist.