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- Cause
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- AppreciationAwarenessWomen
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- United States
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- Week containing March 8, starting Monday
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Women in Aviation Week takes flight annually during the week of March 8, celebrating the remarkable contributions of women to the aerospace industry. This global observance aims to inspire young girls, address gender disparities, and honor the trailblazers who have shaped aviation history. Join us in recognizing these incredible women and advocating for a more inclusive future in the skies.
Want to sponsor Women in Aviation Week? Learn how
Expected Women in Aviation Week Deals
During Women in Aviation Week, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful fundraising and awareness initiatives. Organizations like Women in Aviation International (WAI) and The Ninety-Nines, Inc. often partner with corporate sponsors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin for scholarship drives, mentorship programs, and STEM outreach events. Look for opportunities to donate to these vital groups, participate in virtual or in-person educational workshops, and support branded merchandise sales that benefit future female aviators. Many aviation-related businesses also host open houses or career days. We encourage you to visit the official websites of WAI and other advocacy groups for direct donation links and event schedules.
Platform Guide for Women in Aviation Week
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #WomenInAviationWeek. Share career advice, mentorship opportunities, or spotlight inspiring women in your network.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #WomenInAviationWeek. Share news, statistics, and calls to action regarding gender equality in the aviation industry.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WomenInAviationWeek. Post inspiring photos and videos of female pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals, or share your own aviation journey.
Women in Aviation Week Hero
Amelia Earhart
History of Women in Aviation Week
Aviation history goes as far back as over 2,000 years. In the early days of aviation, kites, hot air balloons, and heavier-than-air jets were popular. Kite flying is alleged to be one of the first examples of man-made flight. During the nineteenth century, aeronautics was the rave. People used hot air balloons, airships, and gliders before the airplanes we know today.
By 1903, advancements had been made in aviation, and by December 12, the first Airplane, ‘Kitty Hawk,’ took flight for about 12 seconds at 37 meters. The Airplane was commandeered by the Wright brothers Orville and Wilbur in North Carolina. This event impacted the world of aviation, as decades later, new aircraft were created to aid transportation of people, goods, and services, and later on, space flight. Up until 1910, the Aviation Industry was considered a male-dominated industry. Gender discrimination was glaring, and women fought tooth and nail to prove their competence. Women have made significant contributions to the advancement of aviation, beginning with the first woman to fly a hot air balloon in 1754 and continuing with the first licensed female pilot in 1910.
The Women of Aviation Worldwide Week commemorate the licensing of the first female pilot as a first step in addressing gender discrimination in the industry. In 2010, a pilot and aviation instructor, Mireille Goyer, launched the ‘Fly it Forward’ initiative to encourage more pilots worldwide to introduce girls of all ages to aviation. Mireille used this initiative to address women’s lack of aviation activity exposure. With the Fly It Forward initiative, the goal is to see more women in all facets of aviation as hoped by pioneering female pilots. By 2011, this event evolved into Women’s Aviation Week.
Women in Aviation Week timeline
On March 8, 1910, Raymonde de Larche becomes the world’s first female licensed pilot.
Willa Brown becomes the first African-American female pilot and Civil Air Patrol officer.
The number of licensed female pilots in the U.S. increases from 12,400 to 30,000.
Ahrohi Pandit makes history as the first female pilot to fly across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Greenland Ice Sheets.
The Women of Aviation Worldwide Week Campaign Celebrates its tenth anniversary with over 76,000 event participants and 3,500 volunteers.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Women in Aviation Week
Local businesses can honor Women in Aviation Week by hosting mentorship events or career fairs, connecting aspiring female aviators with experienced professionals. Retailers might feature books or documentaries about women in aerospace, while educational institutions can organize STEM workshops or guest speaker series focused on aviation careers. Consider sponsoring a scholarship for a young woman pursuing flight training or an aerospace engineering degree to make a tangible impact.
Women in Aviation Week FAQs
When is Women in Aviation Week?
In 2027, Women in Aviation Week is observed from Monday, March 8 through Sunday, March 14, inspiring the next generation of female aviators.
How many women are in the aviation industry?
While the aviation industry has historically been male-dominated, efforts to recruit and retain women in roles such as pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers are gaining momentum, aiming to diversify the workforce.
What is the goal of Women in Aviation Week?
Beyond celebration, the week serves as a crucial platform to address the gender imbalance within the aviation industry, advocating for greater representation and providing resources and networking opportunities for women at every career stage.
Who founded Women in Aviation Week?
The broader movement for Women in Aviation Week also draws inspiration from organizations like Women in Aviation International (WAI), established in 1990, which provides support and resources for women pursuing aviation careers and hosts an annual conference.
How to Observe Women in Aviation Week
Participate in a challenge
The Women of Aviation Worldwide holds multiple challenges during the WOAW. You can celebrate by taking part in any of these challenges. Head over to the Women of Aviation Week website for more information.
Join in the movement
Join in the celebration by taking part in the Fly it Forward initiative. Enjoy exclusive introductory flight lessons in a small aircraft by trained female pilots.
Volunteer your time and expertise
Volunteer yourself and your time to this cause. Start fundraisers or visit the women of aviation week website for more information.
5 Facts About Women Of Aviation
They have their own name
Women aviators are also known as aviatrices.
They make up a small percentage
Women make up about 6.4% of the Aviation industry worldwide.
First International Licensed Female pilot
The African-American female pilot, Bessie Coleman, received an international pilot license in 1921
The most flying hours by a female
Nicknamed ‘mama bird,’ Evelyn Stone Bryan holds the Guinness world record for the female pilot with the most logged flying hours with 57,635.4 hours.
Youngest solo female pilot
Zara Rutherford set a Guinness world record as the youngest solo female pilot in 2022, flying 199 days around the globe.
Why Women in Aviation Week is Important
Celebrates the Past
The Women of Aviation Worldwide week remembers and celebrates the past. It honors the pioneers of women in aviation.
Female Empowerment
The Women of Aviation Worldwide week seeks to encourage and empower young girls to pursue careers in aviation. They prove that it is possible to thrive in this male-dominated industry.
Creates Awareness
The women of aviation week create awareness of the issue of gender discrimination in the Aviation Industry. It speaks of the need for more women to seek out roles in the industry.
Women in Aviation Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 2–8 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2027 | March 8–14 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2028 | March 6–12 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | March 5–11 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2030 | March 4–10 | Monday–Sunday |
Social Media Tips for Women in Aviation Week
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