Simane Omar Ibrahim, Press and Information Officer at the EU Delegation in Djibouti and IGAD

Describe your role and what you like about it.

My name is Simane Omar and I am in charge of communication for the EU Delegation in the Republic of Djibouti and with IGAD. Working in communication is a real vocation for me. It is not a job where you get comfortable. You are constantly on the move and I like that quite a bit.

"Working in communication is a real vocation for me. It is not a job where you get comfortable. You are constantly on the move and I like that quite a bit."

What has been your greatest achievement?

I think I have managed to find a balance between private and professional life. It's not always easy, but with willpower you can do it.

"I have managed to find a balance between private and professional life. It's not always easy, but with willpower you can do it."

What is your greatest strength?

I would say my availability, my ability to adapt and to continuously learn. It is important to train yourself.

What have been the biggest challenges that you have faced in your career? Were there any special challenges you encountered because you are a woman?

The situation of 2020 with the Covid19 and the confinement, put me in front of an unprecedented situation. With my husband being part of the essential staff, I found myself supervising the homework of the two grown-ups, and breastfeeding the youngest while being in an online business meeting. This is something that only happens to you if you are a woman.

"Covid19 and the confinement, put me in front of an unprecedented situation. With my husband being part of the essential staff, I found myself supervising the homework of the two grown-ups, and breastfeeding the youngest while being in an online business meeting. This is something that only happens to you if you are a woman."

What advice would you give to other / young women who want to pursue a career in diplomacy?

The professional world likes to think of itself as masculine, but it is not. You also have your place there as a woman. But we're going to have to work hard at it and better than anyone else. A position, a situation or a diploma does not define you. But your choices define you and say more about you than you will ever say.

What needs to change in the next 5 to 10 years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, it would be important to increase the proportion of women present at decision-making level, whatever the sector. We all know they can do it and can make decisions just as well as men.

"In the next 5 to 10 years, it would be important to increase the proportion of women present at decision-making level, whatever the sector. We all know they can do it and can make decisions just as well as men."