site.btaWomen Officers Say Gender Is Irrelevant When Working in Security Forces

Dedication, devotion and responsibility are the qualities that are needed to work in the security forces, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, three women who serve, respectively, in the Navy, the police and the fire department in Varna said in an interview for BTA on International Women's Day, March 8.

Maria Eneva is Lieutenant Commander and Commander of the Mesta mine hunter. She chose her career with full awareness of what was in store for her, and enrolled in the Varna Naval Academy as a cadet. "Of course, I also heard the cliché that the army is not for women, but I passed these statements with a smile", she added. Her family and friends always supported her, she said. When it comes to climbing the ranks in the Navy, Eneva said it is not about it being easy or hard or whether you are a man or a woman, but rather it is about whether you are committed to your job. She clarified that although some time ago women were "an abstract concept in the Navy", to use her words, that has change and one would often see women in the service today.

Of course there are challenges when trying to balance the duties of an officer, mother and wife, she said. But according to her, it makes life colourful and dynamic. Her position is that no matter who works where, there is always a need for mutual compromises and understanding. From the position of own experience, Eneva urges young girls to choose serving in the Navy if they are looking for challenges and are willing to improve and find themselves in situations that would be outside their comfort zone. She already has had young women seek her advice on whether to apply for the Naval Academy and she is proud that they have completed their studies.

Petya Kyupova, who has been the Head of the First Regional Office for Fire Safety and Population Protection in Varna for more than 5 years, believes there are no "male or female professions". She has been in the administration of the Interior Ministry for almost 20 years, although she chose her career rather by chance. Kyupova said that when she started her career, it was quite difficult for her. "Back then, people didn't take us seriously, so we had to prove ourselves daily," Kyupova pointed out. She added that she received the support of her family when choosing her career, and she still has their support today.

Over time, things have changed and today there are many women in the structures of the Interior Ministry, Kyupova said. "We do not differentiate between men and women in our work," added Kyupova. The important thing is to be dedicated to your work, because there are many challenges. She admitted that it is difficult to balance personal life and work, but it is worth it. According to her, when you get into critical situations, the most important thing is to keep your composure. The adrenaline doesn't help, rational thinking is needed. Over time she has learned to suppress emotions, said the firefighter.

Petya Manova, a Senior Police Officer in the Police Department in Varna, also enjoys equality with her colleagues. She has been working for 7 years in the department and has never had a problem for being a woman in the police force. "I've known since I was a child that I won't be wearing heels at work but a uniform and boots," said Manova. She clarified that her choice was actually predetermined, since the majority of the men in her family - two grandfathers, her father and an uncle - are all police officers. Manova said that when she graduated from high school, there were also family members who protested her career choice, but that the rest of them, who were a majority, supported her.

"Balancing work and family is not always easy, the scale usually wobbles and tilts this way and that way, but I manage somehow," Manova said with a smile. Her husband is a police officer as well, which helps a lot because he is well aware of what the job requires. Manova admits that "women's charm helps her in her everyday life". "In critical situations, most people would somehow soften when they see a woman," said the policewoman. 

She sees that her work has changed her: it has affected the way she looks at the world and people. But even though she usually faces the dark side of human nature, she hasn't lost her optimism and smile. "Everyone has something good inside them, the important thing is to make the right choice," said the young policewoman.