The Women In Aviation (WAI) Nigeria chapter was not left out in the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration held on Saturday, March 8 as it rallied women in the industry in a virtual event harping on the need for team work, self development and policy formation among others to accelerate action for inclusivity.
Speaking at the event, the female aviators sought the need to break barriers and remove obstacles that hinder gender equity and inclusivity. Emphasis was on team work, policy and advocacy formulation, leadership engagement, mentorship and sponsorship among others.
President of WAI, Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Rejoice Ndudinachi, in her welcome address encouraged women to accelerate the action needed to bridge the gender gap from their respective corners. She appreciated and celebrated women in the industry particularly WAI members and emphasised the need to break the barriers of discrimination that have been in existence for long.
Ndudinachi submitted that the barriers must be broken through professionalism and teamwork; hence women in aviation must develop themselves, support one another and engage in team work to accelerate action.
She also pointed out the need to inspire and catch the younger generation of females into the aviation career.
Her words: “Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s break the barriers, let’s remove the obstacles, let’s develop ourselves, and let’s be professional. Women let’s connect, engage and inspire the next generation.
“We need to get the younger ones into our vision, as role models we need to catch them young, yes, they need to be with us in the aviation industry, let’s get them in to accelerate action.
“Women break the barriers, women support women, the sky is open to all, we need to support women to get there, we need to work together as a team, we need to connect, we need to engage. We need to work together, it’s time to work together and accelerate action.”
Also speaking, Vice President (V) of WAI Nigeria, Mrs. Mohammed Binta, celebrated and honoured the legacies of women who fought tirelessly for women’s rights, particularly in Northern Nigeria. She reiterated the need for more to be done despite the giant strides already achieved. She also encouraged women to show empathy to other women.
In her presentation, WAI Nigeria Vice President (IV), Engr. Uche Patrick-Obikile, emphasised the need for policy and advocacy formulation in closing the gender gap. She averred that strategic partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders would go a long way to accentuate the work already begun in ensuring women inclusivity.
On her own part, Lagos State Chairperson, WAI, Nigeria, Amb. Ijeoma Victoria Chukwu, described woman as strong and resilient. She called for inclusiveness in achieving giant strides for development.
Kano State Chairperson, WAI, Nigeria, Aisha Ibrahim Dayyab, congratulated the visionary, bold and skilful women who took strides in a male dominated industry to shine the torch for others to follow, clearly stating that the ‘sky is no longer the limit’!
Still contributing to the discourse, Secretary Lagos Branch, WAI, Nigeria, Sholademi Olaide, explained the theme “Accelerate Action” as a call for urgency in advancing gender equality and empowerment through leadership engagement, mentorship and sponsorship, all geared towards embracing inclusiveness.
The event was moderated by the National Protocol officer, Egbegi Sylvia and Barr. Hope Oyekanmi.