Women in Aviation International, India Chapter and Lockheed Martin India in association with Airports Authority of India (AAI) today celebrated Girls in Aviation Day on the occasion of International Civil Aviation Day. The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation towards the social and economic development. With the vision to encourage girls to take up STEM subjects and explore career opportunities in related industries, Girls in Aviation Day is aimed at showcasing opportunities in the aviation and aerospace sectors. This initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Skill India’ initiative.
As part of the program, Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) invited 90 students from various schools for an informative session in New Delhi. Visiting students were given an opportunity to hear industry experts speak on the ‘Future of STEM in India’. The session stressed upon the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics and how these subjects can lead to fulfilling careers in aviation. Additionally, Women in Aviation gave out 10 IATA sponsored course kits to underprivileged girls to empower them to kick start a career in aviation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Radha Bhatia, President, Women in Aviation International, India Chapter shared,” This is the third year that the WAI India Chapter is celebrating ‘Girls in Aviation Day’ and we are delighted to host the same in the capital. This day is celebrated for the young girls to encourage them to choose aviation as a viable career opportunity. World over India has the maximum number of female pilots but there are many other avenues that are still unknown. With this celebration our aim is to see girls from New Delhi explore exciting careers available to them as engineers, air traffic controllers and dozens of other jobs within the aviation industry.
“We will continue our endeavour to introduce young girls to role models and educate them in a fun and supportive atmosphere. We are very fortunate to be able to partner with Airport Authority of India for this initiative. Their efforts in leading youth into STEM careers is truly commendable.” added Mrs. Bhatia.
Speaking about Lockheed Martin’s commitment to this initiative, Mr. Phil Shaw, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India Private Limited said, “Lockheed Martin is delighted to support the Girls in Aviation Day initiative and see it grow from strength to strength. We are passionate about encouraging young ladies to broaden their horizons and consider pursuing an education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and consequently, careers in aerospace and technology. Lockheed Martin views education as a crucial investment for both business and society and looks forward to helping develop the next generation of engineers, explorers and scientists in India.
Post the session the students were delighted to receive abundant information about the industry and its intricacies. Also, Mr. Ashwini Lohani- Chairman Railway Board, Chief Guest of the celebration gave away 10 IATA sponsored kits to girls from underprivileged background to kick start a career in aviation.
