The Women in Aviation International (WAI) Glowing Wings Chapter has called on young girls to consider careers in the aviation industry, emphasizing that it is no longer a male-dominated profession. At the WAI Annual Girls in Aviation Day programme in Lagos, stakeholders encouraged over 80 students from four secondary schools to explore various career paths in aviation. The event featured career talks and interactions with female aviation professionals.
The programme aimed to expose girls to aviation at an early age and encourage them to pursue careers in the sector. WAI Glowing Wings Chapter's President, Mrs Evelyn Njoku, represented by Vice President Mrs Folashade Akande, stated that aviation offers numerous opportunities beyond piloting and cabin crew, including air traffic control, aircraft engineering, and meteorology. Njoku urged students to learn about the industry, ask questions, and build relationships with aviation professionals.
The event showcased various career paths in aviation, including Aeronautical Information Services (AIS), which provides critical information for pilots, air traffic controllers, and other professionals. Mrs Lilian Ezetendu, DGM of AIS Control Unit at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), explained that AIS is the information backbone of aviation, providing accurate and timely information on routes, runways, and navigation facilities.
Mrs Victoria Adegbe, CEO of Aviatrix Hub and a US-certified flight dispatcher, shared her career journey with the students, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work. Adegbe, one of Nigeria's early female flight dispatchers, established an aviation training school and encouraged students not to let gender or academic limitations hinder their pursuit of aviation careers.
The stakeholders emphasized that the aviation industry offers diverse career opportunities, including aviation security, flight dispatch, airport management, aviation law, public affairs, and safety investigation. They encouraged students to explore these options and consider a career in aviation. The event provided a platform for students to interact with female aviation professionals and gain insights into the industry.
The WAI Annual Girls in Aviation Day programme is part of a broader effort to promote gender balance in the aviation workforce. By encouraging young girls to pursue careers in aviation, stakeholders aim to increase diversity and representation in the industry. The programme also highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance in helping young women navigate their careers.
The aviation industry in Nigeria and globally is expected to benefit from increased diversity and representation. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders emphasize the need for a balanced workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. By promoting gender balance and encouraging young girls to pursue careers in aviation, stakeholders aim to create a more inclusive and diverse industry.
Key points
- The Women in Aviation International (WAI) Glowing Wings Chapter is promoting gender balance in Nigeria's aviation workforce by encouraging young girls to explore career opportunities in the industry.
- The aviation industry offers diverse career paths, including air traffic control, aircraft engineering, meteorology, and aviation security.
- Stakeholders emphasize the importance of mentorship and guidance in helping young women navigate their careers in aviation.
