As head of the police component at the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Satu Koivu says “good competencies and skillset”, regardless of sex, will go far for those with ambitions to pursue police leadership. 
 
With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and policing around the globe, the Finland native acknowledges choosing a career in the force at 18 years old was not typical for females at the time, and is optimistic other women will continue to find their place in the field.

The newly-appointed chief, who joined the Mission in May of this year, tells Ersin Oztoycan how her desire to serve humanity steered her into peacekeeping.