RAMZIA SHAMS
Ramzia’s story is both thought-provoking and inspiring. She was born in war-torn Afghanistan. Her childhood memories are filled with the sounds of bullets, guns, and shattering blasts.
None of this stopped her from dreaming big, being independent, and doing things differently. Her passion and dreams to serve her people led her to join the Afghan National Army in 2018. She is the first Afghan woman to receive a prestigious Officer Training Scholarship, offered by the Australian Army.
Ramzia is currently an Officer Cadet (in training) at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Canberra and is due to graduate in December 2022.
Tell us about your decision of joining the Afghan National Army
“It was a tough decision for me. Joining an armed force was considered a dangerous act for anyone, let alone for a woman living in a war-torn country like Afghanistan.
My family was worried to see me in the Army uniform. Their main concern was the Afghan society’s perception and acceptance of a woman being associated with the National Army. Whilst, I could understand my family’s concern, I had to rely on myself to fulfil my dreams. Nobody else was going to do that for me”.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
“My first couple of weeks engaged in Army training was full of fear. Fear of losing my life, my family, and my friends. Fear of failing in my training. Fear of society’s acceptance of my role. Despite all the hardships and fears, I focused on building myself stronger, brick by brick, taking one day at a time.
Military training was tough both physically and mentally. Being the tiniest girl in my cohort, also took the physical challenge to a different level. I had to remind myself every day “Success needs sacrifice”.
During my training at the Afghan National Army base, I applied for the Australian Army’s Officer Training Scholarship. I was amazed to learn that I not only passed the scholarship test, but that I was also the first Afghan woman to receive this prestigious Scholarship. My family was both relieved and proud of me.
Tell us about your post-migration journey…
In 2020, I arrived in Australia for the first time. It was like stepping into another world. Navigating through a different culture brought a different set of challenges. I was also worried about my family who was still in Afghanistan.
I first completed an English language course in preparation for joining the Royal Military College. Earlier this year, I decided to join the Australian Government Department of Defense, where I am completing the Officer Cadet training and will be graduating in December 2022.
There was a time in the year 2021 after learning about the extreme political instability and unrest in Afghanistan, that I almost lost hope and wanted to give up. I was so worried about my family, my friends, my colleagues and most importantly all the Afghan girls and women would not have the be able to receive an education and no longer have the freedom to dream big.
I feel so fortunate to be experience freedom and to be living and pursuing my military career in a vibrant country like Australia. The Australian government has been instrumental in evacuating my family from Afghanistan and relocating them to Australia.
I have lost many friends and colleagues in the last few years of war in Afghanistan. While I often feel very sad, I know I can still help hundreds of Afghan women achieve their dreams. This passion keeps me hopeful and passionate about what I do”.
Your advice for other Jamati women…
Wars, terror or other sorts of situations and grief can affect you in many ways. Let these not affect your mental strength. Stay strong, and never forget that success needs sacrifice!
