Women of Aviation Worldwide Week is an annual global event that aims to encourage and inspire more women and girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. The event typically takes place during the first week of March, coinciding with the anniversary of the first female pilot's license, which was issued to French aviator Raymonde de Laroche on March 8, 1910.
This year, Women of Aviation Worldwide Week will be held from March 6 to March 12, 2023.
During Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, aviation organizations and businesses around the world hold events, activities, and outreach programs, such as fly-ins, airport tours, and aviation career seminars, to introduce women and girls to the many career opportunities available in aviation and aerospace.
The week also includes the Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week Challenge, which invites pilots and aviation enthusiasts to introduce a girl or woman to aviation for the first time during the week and record their experience on the Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week website. The challenge aims to help break down barriers and stereotypes that may discourage women from pursuing careers in aviation and to encourage more gender diversity in the industry.
When it comes to honoring women in aviation there are few more memorable than the founders of our Union, AFA; Sally Watt, First Secretary, Edith Lauterbach, First Treasurer, Francis Hall, Vice President, Shirley Thometz, Negotiator, and Ada Brown, President, who all came together in solidarity to fight for their rights as Flight Attendants and as women in the workforce.
Together these leaders negotiated our first contract, securing a substantial pay raise, setting a limit on duty hours, set rest periods, and established a grievance procedure. They singlehandedly began the wave of change that evolved a short-term job into a lifelong career as a First Responder. The changes they fought for improved the careers and quality of life for everyone in our industry.
Women of Aviation Worldwide Week is an important initiative that highlights the contributions of women in aviation and aerospace and inspires more women and girls to pursue careers in these aviation fields and for our profession as Safety Professionals. We all should continue to build on their foundational labor and honor their bravery and sacrifices which created for us the opportunities we share today.
5 Facts about Women in Aviation from Women of Aviation Worldwide:
They have their own name
They make up a small percentage
First International Licensed Female pilot
The most flying hours by a female
Youngest solo female pilot