WAI’s 26th annual conference brought together women aviators from all over the globe. The sea of
diversity was highlighted by the flash-es of bright kente clothes, vibrant iros,
and the presence of Africa. “We are here
to interact with women in our industry. It is amazing to have the opportunity to share in our passions and learn how to
support those back at
home,” said Rubiya Sei-du, WAI 58175, aviation
accounts officer for the
Airports Company in
Ghana, who traveled to
the conference for the
first time.
Organizations like
WAI are scarce in many
parts of Africa and this
absence is felt most in
the lack of growth in
the number of women
entering the field. “The
support system is great
here,” said Susan Njuguna, WAI 56205.
“Through my WAI chapter I have con-
stant backing. It makes it easier to be-
lieve that my dreams are attainable.
We would benefit greatly from more of
these kinds of organized structures back
at home.” Susan is from Kenya and ma-
joring in aviation operations at the Uni-
versity of Central Missouri where she is
vice president of her chapter.
Members like Felicia Brempong-Yeboah, WAI 45871, an aircraft marshal
for Airports Company in Ghana, have
come to learn more about starting and
sustaining WAI chapters in their home
countries. “We have formed a small
group of women in Ghana and it would
be great to learn more about inspiring
many more to join us, as WAI has inspired woman all over the U.S.,” she said.
Many attribute lack of exposure and
funding as the two leading reasons why
African woman don’t consider the avi-
ation industry a viable career choice.
The formation of combinative organiza-
tions, like WAI, are seen as indispens-
able steps to resolving these problems.
“The conference has been informa-
tive, inspiring, and something to emu-
late back home in Rwanda, where there
are very few woman in the field,” said
Esther Mbabazi, WAI 63071, a pilot for
RwandAir.
—Karabo Sekhoto, WAI 58508
InteRnatIonal PeRSPeCtIve
Rubiya and Felicia of Ghana
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