Brazil’s 1st woman general offers valuable advice to Pakistani women

Lieutenant General Carla Lyrio Martins, the first woman to achieve the rank of general officer in the Brazilian Air Force, has valuable advice for Pakistani women aspiring to pursue military careers.

At 59, Martins, the commandant of the Superior School of Defense in Brasília, Brazil’s capital, visited Pakistan last month to give a lecture at the National Defense University (NDU) in Islamabad. During her visit, she met Pakistani women from various backgrounds.

“At the workshop [at NDU], we discussed how Pakistan is evolving into a modern and more open country, and my impressions are very positive,” Martins shared in a recent interview. “I see many women in this workshop with innovative ideas and important roles in the market, and I’m truly impressed. I feel very optimistic about the future of this country and its people.”

Martins, a decorated officer recognized for her remarkable contributions to national defense, acknowledged that while women may not make up half of the armed forces worldwide, their roles are vital to the success of military missions.

“We are present, and we are essential to fulfilling the mission,” she emphasized. “The inclusion of women makes the military stronger and more modern.”

Martins began her career in March 1990 at the Aeronautics Specialized Instruction Center and was promoted to her current rank in November 2023. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the challenges she faced but highlighted how the Brazilian military has grown into an organization that values equal opportunities.

“In Brazil, women are welcomed as we walk side by side with equal opportunities,” she said. “If you are determined, if you study, and if you embrace new challenges, this is the perfect environment for you.” She also expressed her hope to see more women taking leadership roles in military forces globally.

According to Martins, leadership is determined by competence and vision, not gender. “Leadership is about posture, the ability to interact, and to communicate direction,” she explained. “Women have all the capabilities, and the number of women in leadership roles is increasing.” She believes women in leadership positions have the power to shape the future of any institution, including the military.

A mother of two, Martins stressed that it’s possible to balance a fulfilling career with family life. While she emphasized the importance of dedication, hard work, and education for success, she also underscored the importance of family and the need for men to share household responsibilities.

“Educate yourself, be courageous, and pursue your dreams because we can achieve whatever we set our minds to,” the general advised young women considering military service.

Martins also shared her reflections on her visit to Pakistan, noting that it challenged her preconceived notions shaped by international media portrayals.

“The image of Pakistan we see abroad is not what I experienced here,” she remarked. “I see a modern city with people who are open to dialogue and tolerant. The outside perception is that of a closed society, but that’s not what I’ve witnessed here.”

When asked about her cultural experience, Martins praised Islamabad’s beauty, hospitality, and food: “I enjoyed everything I tried.”