Lieutenant Colonel Susana Ramos, J8 Chief in EUTM RCA

Describe your role and what you like about it.

I’m Lieutenant Colonel Susana Ramos J8 Chief in EUTM RCA. I’m the finance close adviser of the MFC, responsible for the correct performance of duties in the J8 section.

What has been your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is to have been able to balance my career with my family life. When we spend a lot of time away from our family on duty, it is very important to have a strong family base.

"When we spend a lot of time away from our family on duty, it is very important to have a strong family base."

What is your greatest strength?

I am determined to be competent, to grow and to be happy in everything I do.

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?

Throughout my career, new challenges appeared and I managed to overcome them step-by-step. The ones that brought more professional satisfaction were the ones that required the most effort. I have always felt that as long as we have equal skills, men and women face the challenges equally.

"I have always felt that as long as we have equal skills, men and women face the challenges equally."

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

To all the young women I advise to be prepared with skills to face all the challenges of today’s world. The same skills will match the same opportunities, and this allows us to conduct our lives in all possible directions.

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

The mentality of the world. Unfortunately, we still have some countries where the women do not have access to education, family planning, choice or liberty.

"Unfortunately, we still have some countries where the women do not have access to education, family planning, choice or liberty."