Brussels Bubble Tea S3E5: We Need More Women in Defence (IWD Special)
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March 25, 2025
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The International Women’s Day (“IWD”) 2025 theme focuses on taking action to facilitate gender equality, and this episode of Brussels Bubble Tea (Season 3 Episode 5) spotlights some of the female experience and perspective working in and around the European Union policy landscape. Host Ani Gundes speaks with Beatriz Cózar Murillo, a specialist in defence and aerospace, about how despite her upbringing in rural Spain, Beatriz navigated her academic and professional path to ultimately pursue a career in defence, a sector traditionally considered male-dominated.
To begin, can you introduce yourself?
Beatriz: Of course. I’m Beatriz, and I joined FTI in September 2024 to help build the defence and aerospace practice in Brussels. So yes, you can say I’m an expert in the defence field.
What is your relationship with IWD? What does it look like in Spain?
Beatriz: It really depends on the country, but in Spain, International Women’s Day is very visible. We celebrate on the streets, there are feminist movements, public messages from the government and institutions, and you receive congratulations from both men and women. It’s a day where people really try to support each other.
In recent years, I’ve also seen more associations, institutions and companies organising events specifically for this day. I made a personal commitment to use this moment each year to give visibility to women in defence and to highlight the sector.
Tell us more about where you grew up. How were your childhood and teenage years?
Beatriz: I was born in Barcelona but raised in a small rural town in Cádiz, in the south of Spain. Rural areas aren’t always the best environment if you have aspirations that differ from the norm. You’re far from the decision-making centres, and if you think differently or want a different career, it can be challenging from a very early age.
But it also depends heavily on the support you receive from family, peers, teachers. For me, I always felt a bit different because of the things I wanted to do, both academically and personally.
Did you experience any inequalities growing up as a girl?
Beatriz: Honestly, no. Inequality wasn’t the issue, but it was more the lack of information. And that applied to both boys and girls. We didn’t have the same access to guidance, fellowships, or opportunities that you would see in a big city like Madrid or Barcelona.
I’m still in touch with my former high school, and I go back when I can to talk to students about what’s possible. In my town, they also try to give visibility to people who grew up there and pursued different paths. Students appreciate seeing examples from their own community.
How did you choose your area of study, and what led you to defence?
Beatriz: I studied law at the University of Seville and was always very interested in EU issues and international law. That led me to a master’s degree in European Studies at the University of Salamanca.
Defence came into my life by chance. I chose a topic for my master’s thesis that eventually became my PhD subject. I began writing articles, publishing research, attending conferences, and working closely with my supervisors. So yes, PhD completed in December 2023!
At the same time, I was working in the Regional Government of Andalusia with a fellowship, and later I lectured for two years in European Union law and public international law. Eventually, I was accepted at Ghent University for further work, so I moved to Brussels.
While finishing my PhD, I also began working in the defence industry. I wanted opportunities to grow personally and professionally and that path ultimately brought me to FTI.
Did you have corporate experience in the defence sector before joining FTI Consulting?
Beatriz: Yes. I represented a defence firm here in Brussels. I’ve always tried to combine industry knowledge with academia balancing research, teaching and practical experience. It helps you bring multiple perspectives to the table and also helps you better understand and visualise the sector.
Given that defence is a highly male-dominated industry, have you faced any inequalities or credibility issues?
Beatriz: My experience has been great. Truly. I have never received a bad comment from men or women about being a woman in defence. I’ve worked with senior people, junior people, military staff, academics, industry experts, and I’ve always received respect and positive feedback, including in Spain.
I think men are increasingly happy to see more women joining the defence bubble. As editor of a defence magazine, I always say: “If women don’t publish, research and write about defence, we lose half the talent.”
So as of today, I’ve never experienced an uncomfortable situation or a credibility problem.
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Published
March 25, 2025
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