To celebrate International Women’s Day, today we gave the floor to one of our incredible IORIS partners in Latin America, highlighting the amazing work women are doing across the region to advance maritime security. 👏🌍
Today, we honour the incredible women working in maritime security, where they are making waves in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Here is a brief interview with Capitán de Corbeta LILIANA AMADOR REYES, Commanding Officer of ARC Roncador, Armada de la Republica de Colombia.
Can you share some of the challenges you have faced as a woman working in maritime security projects, and what strategies have helped you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered is that the career of women in maritime security in Colombia is still a relatively young field. For this reason, I have built my career alongside my colleagues, superiors, and subordinates, implementing the strategy of studying extensively on topics related to my professional knowledge, ensuring the ability to make sound and effective decisions in each situation I have faced.
What are some of the unique opportunities and advantages you have found working in a male-dominated sector like maritime security, and how has this shaped your career? One of the advantages has been having the support of my superiors, colleagues, and subordinates, who have helped me strengthen my knowledge to face the different situations and challenges in the naval environment. Additionally, it has been a professional growth opportunity in a sector where the role of women is gaining increasing recognition and importance, with each of these opportunities and advantages contributing to my growth in the naval career.
Working in maritime security involve collaboration with various stakeholders. How do you handle the challenges that arise when working in a male-dominated environment, particularly when it comes to overcoming the power dynamics? I believe that when a person is well-prepared, with solid and clear knowledge, and continues to study regularly, they don’t need to focus on overcoming power dynamics. The key is to work well as a team, complementing each other’s knowledge and thus implementing viable and efficient maritime security strategies that contribute to institutional and national strengthening.
For women considering a career in maritime security, what advice would you give based on your own experiences? My advice is that if you are passionate about maritime security, go for it. Study and follow this path. There is nothing more comfortable and rewarding than turning your passion into your profession, because when you do things with passion, work becomes enjoyable.
What role does your organization play in shaping the future of maritime security, and your organisation will influence its direction? I am part of the Colombian Navy, and the role my institution plays in shaping maritime security is the most important one, as stated in Article 217 of the National Political Constitution: “The Armed Forces shall have as their primary purpose the defence of sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and constitutional order.” To this end, we implement various strategies from the different units that make up our Naval Institution, ensuring that Colombians feel safe in their maritime territory.