FIRST OFFICER OF THE SPECIALTY OF FLUVIAL-LACUSTRINE MARITIME INTERESTS AND MERCHANT MARINE OF THE BOLIVIAN NAVY

Promoting the professionalization and female leadership in the Bolivian aquatic field, Frigate Lieutenant María Griselda Borda Orellana heads the Bolivian Navy's Fluviales Lacustres and Mariana Mercante Maritime Interests specialty.

This Bolivian Naval Officer has left a significant mark in her professional career in the Bolivian Navy, having a positive impact on her field of work, since, throughout her career, she has stood out in different milestones that demonstrate her commitment and dedication to her profession. 

The first of them took place in 2009, when Frigate Lieutenant Borda Orellana and four companions were awarded scholarships to receive a solid training in naval arts and sciences in the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, thus becoming the first Women Officers of the Bolivian Navy in 2013, marking an indelible milestone in the history of that institution, contributing significantly in the fight for Gender Equity and reducing the gaps of Inequality.

In 2015, Lieutenant Borda, together with a fellow student, became the first female instructors and teachers at the Naval Military School to train the new generations of women in training aspiring to become officers of the Bolivian Navy, demonstrating their ability as leaders and professionals. In the same year, she decided to take part in a new challenge to break the paradigm of military training courses, which until then had been considered only for men, by taking part in the first course for female military police of the Bolivian Navy, paving the way for new generations of women who would later wish to take part in this course.

In 2016, she was awarded the "Heroínas de la Coronilla" award as the first female naval officer in the Bolivian Navy from the third largest city in Bolivia, the city of Cochabamba. This recognition not only highlights her personal achievements, but also her contribution to the empowerment of women in the military and civilian spheres, an aspect that is highly recognised by society.

In 2022, Frigate Lieutenant Borda completed the Naval Application Course, which defines her specialty for the rest of her professional career, where she chose to be part of the Specialty of Maritime Interests Fluvial Lacustrine and Merchant Marine, which demonstrates her interest in contributing to the development and protection of the aquatic resources of her country, obtaining the approval with honours in her final work focused on gender issues, taking into account the IMO Gender Program and the strategic axes of the Network. MAMla. 

In 2023, she became the first woman in terms of merit in this new specialty, which allows its members to focus on the management and protection of maritime, river, lake and merchant marine interests, contributing directly to the policy of the Pluritional State of Bolivia for its development as a landlocked country.

During her career, she has faced many obstacles and challenges due to gender stereotyping, labels and biases. However, she has chosen to face these obstacles and has shown society that women can excel and stand out in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as the Bolivian Navy. Her commitment and efforts, along with those of her four companions, have been instrumental in opening doors and bringing about positive changes in the perception of women's skills and potential in the workplace.

Through her contribution and determination, she has sought to be a source of inspiration to those who are fighting for equality and equal opportunities and who are trying to overcome barriers in the professional arena. She has paved the way not only for herself, but also for new generations of women who want to achieve their own goals and dreams. Congratulations!

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