Women of Aviation Worldwide Week facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week |
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Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week logo
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| Observed by | Men and women, worldwide |
| Type | International civil awareness week |
| Date | Week of March 8 |
| 2024 date | March 4–10 |
| 2025 date | March 3–9 |
| 2026 date | March 2–8 |
| 2027 date | March 8–14 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | First female pilot licence worldwide anniversary | Raymonde de Laroche |
Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week (WOAW) is a special week celebrated around the world. It focuses on girls and women in aviation. This week marks the anniversary of the first woman ever getting her pilot's license. That historic event happened on March 8, 1910.
The main goal of WOAW Week is to encourage more girls and women to join the air and space industry. It aims to balance the number of men and women working in these fields. This celebration is for everyone, no matter where they live.
Since March 2010, WOAW Week events have taken place in 52 countries. These events have been held on five different continents. Over 420,000 women and girls have joined in the fun, hands-on activities. Also, more than 69,000 women and girls have experienced their very first flight in a small aircraft. This happened because of a special program called "Fly It Forward®".
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History of Women in Aviation
In January 2010, a pilot and aviation teacher named Mireille Goyer started a worldwide effort. She wanted to celebrate 100 years since the first woman earned a pilot's license. This amazing woman was Raymonde de Laroche, and she got her license on March 8, 1910.
The Fly It Forward® Idea
Mireille Goyer created the "Fly It Forward®" program. It asked pilots everywhere to introduce as many girls as possible to aviation. This was first called "Women Pilots' Week." It was a one-time celebration.
However, it became so popular that it turned into an annual event. In 2011, it officially became "Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week." Mireille Goyer's idea was to help more women get involved in all parts of aviation. This was a dream of the first women pilots from 1910.
Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide
On September 10, 2012, Mireille Goyer started a group called the Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide (iWOAW). This is a non-profit organization that works with the aviation industry. iWOAW helps organize the contests and activities during WOAW Week.
The group also works all year long to help women join the air and space industry. iWOAW is led by a team of volunteers, with an equal number of men and women. Their mission is to help more women get involved in aviation through outreach, education, and support.
Activities and Celebrations
During Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week, many special events happen. These activities are designed for women and girls. They take place at airports and aerodromes around the world. You can also find events in museums and aerospace businesses. Sometimes, special flights are even organized to celebrate.
Challenges and Awards
iWOAW holds several challenges and contests during the week. The most famous one is the "Fly It Forward®" challenge. This challenge gives awards to the best participants.
Some of the awards include:
- "Most Female Friendly Airport Worldwide"
- "Most Female Friendly Community Worldwide"
- "Most Female Friendly Corporation Worldwide"
- "Most Dedicated Female Pilot Worldwide"
- "Most Supportive Male Pilot Worldwide"
Annual Themes
Each year, Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week has a special theme. This theme usually highlights a major historical achievement by a woman in the air and space industry. It helps everyone learn about different parts of aviation.
Past Themes (2010-2018)
- 2010 – This year celebrated 100 years of licensed female pilots. It honored Raymonde de Laroche from France, the world's first female pilot.
- 2011 – The theme was 100 years of female air racers. It recognized Hélène Dutrieu from Belgium, the first woman to enter an air race.
- 2012 – This year focused on 100 years of female seaplane pilots. It again highlighted Hélène Dutrieu from Belgium, the world's first female seaplane pilot.
- 2013 – The theme marked 50 years of women in space. It celebrated Valentina Tereshkova from Russia, the world's first female astronaut.
- 2014 – This year honored 100 years of female aerobatic pilots. It recognized Lydia Zvereva from Russia, the world's first female aerobatic pilot.
- 2015 – The theme was 100 years of female pilots in combat. It celebrated Marie Marvingt from France, the first woman to fly in combat.
- 2016 – This year marked 60 years of female bush pilots. It honored Ada Rogato from Brazil, the world's first female bush pilot.
- 2017 – The theme was 80 years of female helicopter pilots. It recognized Hanna Reitsch from Germany, the world's first female helicopter pilot.
- 2018 – This year celebrated 65 years of supersonic women. It honored Jacqueline Cochran from the USA, the first woman to fly at the speed of sound.
