Spotlight on some African women in aviation, maritime industry
As the advocacies intensify, a lot more women continue to prove their mettle in various sectors, giving men a run for their money. In this edition, The Spectator explores the aviation and maritime industry to tell the stories of four African women who did not settle for less in advancing their chosen career.
Ms Miracle Izuchukwu
This licensed Commercial Pilot from Nigeria is part of the seven percent females and one per cent black female pilots in the world.
She obtained her Commercial Pilot Licence from the Federal Aviation Administration, USA, on May 9, 2022 and holds Private Pilot and Instrument Rated Pilot Licences from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“I grew up in a society that did not encourage young girls to dream big, career-wise. I remember watching lots of TED Talks to give myself more insights on possible careers that might interest me…to no avail,” she said.
In 2019, she had an encounter with an airline pilot while working as a Customer Service Representative which opened her eyes to the possibility of becoming a pilot.
“When I told my father I was considering becoming a professional Pilot, he said if he gets on a plane and sees a woman as the Pilot, he would get off the plane.”
In spite of the pain and confusion she felt following her father’s response, she did not give up on her ambition. Today, she is a Flight Attendant at American Airlines and working to build her flying hours in an effort to achieve her next goal of flying big planes. “If it’s truly something you want to do, you need to create it for yourself. In a world that wants us to whisper, I choose to shout,” she said.
Ms Elizabeth Marami
At age 25, she successfully passed the International Unlimited 2nd Mate Licence Examination in 2014, making her the first female Marine Pilot in Kenya.
She is a First Officer at Celebrity Cruises Incorporated and Founder of ‘Against the Tide’, an online platform whose mission is to inspire and advocate Sustainable Development Goal ‘5’in the seafaring sector by sharing stories of female seafarers across the globe.
Marami holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nautical Science from Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt, a Certificate in Maritime Studies from Hochschule Bremen in Germany and currently pursuing an MBA in Operations Management from the University of Nairobi.
“Working in a male-dominated industry has had its challenges, including earning the respect of senior management as a female professional. I have had those who have accepted me, helped me become better, and there have been some rejections that stung so hard I almost gave up, but overall I would say I have certainly grown a thick skin,” she said.
Captain Londy Ngcobo
She is Africa’s first female Dredge Master and Global Ship Navigator; making waves on land as a Maritime Advocate, Businesswoman, Global Speaker and Conference Facilitator.
She is a former Maritime Compliance Manager of Transnet National Ports Authority, Founder of Global Maritime Youth and Chief Executive of Womaritime Experts, a consulting firm in the shipping industry.
Nicknamed “The Blackmermaid,” Captain Londy Ngcobo is passionate about unlocking Africa’s Ocean Economy. With over 14 years of experience in the Maritime industry, her background includes Maritime Studies and International Merchant shipping.
As a mother and wife, she is passionate about women and youth empowerment. Her experience has equipped her with the ability to focus on providing sustainable tools for women to thrive.
Ms Chipo Gatsi
Her desire to fly was ignited in her primary school days when she got an opportunity to get into the flight deck of a plane, when flying to Cape Town with her family. After completing her Advanced levels in 2007, she began to do something about her desire to fly. In 2008, she enrolled with a flying academy in South Africa.
In 2009, she completed her Professional Pilot Course at Port Elizabeth, and successfully obtained a South African Commercial Pilot Licence with Multi-engine & Instrument ratings. She immediately returned home (Zimbabwe) to convert her licence under the Zimbabwean Air Laws and Standards.
In 2010, at age 20, she joined Air Zimbabwe as a First Officer and went on to enjoy over a thousand hours of flying the Airline’s regional and domestic routes before joining Fastjet.
Driven by her desire to fly, Chipo did not fall victim to the limitations society places on millennials and women in particular where career choices are concerned.
“Believe it or not, there are people who still have reservations about a young black woman being a good pilot. I have learnt to go the extra mile and really push myself. Once you work on your competence, some of the negative stereotypes fall away.
“My focus is to continually get better at what I do and I cannot say it has not been paying off,” she said.
By Spectator Reporter
