Women in Aviation Week

Women in Aviation Week celebrates the achievements of women in the aviation industry. This event highlights the vital role women play in aviation, both historically and in modern times. By showcasing the accomplishments of female pilots, engineers, and other aviation professionals, it aims to inspire future generations of girls to consider careers in aviation.

The week features events and activities that bring attention to the contributions women have made and continue to make in this field!

How to Celebrate Women in Aviation Week

Host an Aviation-Themed Party

Throw an aviation-themed bash with pilot hats, airplane decorations, and sky-high snacks. Play aviation trivia and watch inspiring documentaries about female aviators.

Everyone loves a good party, especially one that celebrates trailblazing women!

Take a Discovery Flight

Encourage friends and family to experience flying first-hand with a discovery flight. Many flight schools offer introductory lessons. It’s a thrilling way to inspire future aviators. Plus, who wouldn’t want to soar through the skies?

Attend a Local Event

Check out local events celebrating Women in Aviation Week. Many aviation museums and organizations host special tours, workshops, and talks. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn and connect with aviation enthusiasts.

Share Stories on Social Media

Use social media platforms to highlight the achievements of women in aviation. Share articles, photos, and personal stories. Tag posts with relevant hashtags to join the global conversation and inspire others.

Visit an Aviation Museum

Spend a day exploring an aviation museum. Many museums feature exhibits on the contributions of women to aviation history. It’s a fun and educational way to honor their legacy and learn more about the industry.

Fly Pink Paper Planes

One of the initiatives by Women of Aviation Worldwide Week is the pink paper plane challenge. Make a number of pink paper planes, then use them to create a piece of art that can then be photographed and shared with the world in honor of the day!

Why Celebrate Women in Aviation Week?

Women in Aviation Week is celebrated to address the gender imbalance in the aviation industry. Despite significant progress, women still represent a small fraction of the aviation workforce.

This week aims to inspire young women to pursue aviation careers by highlighting role models and offering hands-on experiences.

It also creates awareness about the ongoing challenges women face in aviation, promotes gender equality, and encourages more women to explore opportunities in this exciting and dynamic field​.

History of Women of Aviation Worldwide Week

Women in Aviation Week began in 2010, founded by Mireille Goyer, a pilot and aviation educator. Goyer created this event to honor Raymonde de Laroche, the first woman to receive a pilot’s license on March 8, 1910. Laroches was a French aviator and former actress who was inspired by demonstrations by American Wilbur Wright.

Realizing there were no planned events to celebrate this milestone, Goyer took the initiative. She launched the Fly It Forward® campaign, urging pilots worldwide to introduce women and girls to flying. In its first year, more than 1,600 women and girls experienced flight in 36 countries, sparking a global movement.

Originally called Women Pilots Week, the event quickly grew into Women of Aviation Worldwide Week (WOAW), celebrated annually. Its mission is to inspire women to pursue careers in aviation and address gender imbalance in the industry. Governments and organizations worldwide recognize this event, which continues to gain momentum each year.

By 2023, over 501,000 women and girls had discovered aviation through hands-on experiences during this week. The event not only celebrates past achievements but also aims to change perceptions and encourage more women to explore opportunities in aviation, creating a more inclusive and balanced industry​