Lieutenant General Carla Lyrio Martins, the first woman to attain the rank of general officer in the Brazilian Air Force, recently visited Pakistan to deliver a lecture at Islamabad’s National Defense University (NDU). During her visit, she engaged with Pakistani women from various sectors, sharing insights from her trailblazing military career.
Reflecting on her interactions, General Martins expressed admiration for Pakistani women’s evolving roles, stating, “I see many women in this workshop with great ideas, with great, important positions in the market, and I’m impressed.” She emphasized the essential contributions of women in armed forces globally, noting that their presence enhances resilience and modernity within military operations.
General Martins, who began her service in 1990 and achieved her current rank in 2023, acknowledged the challenges faced during her journey. She highlighted that leadership transcends gender, being defined by capability and vision, and encouraged more women to pursue leadership roles in the military. Balancing a successful career and family life, as a mother of two, she serves as a testament to the possibilities available to women in defense.
