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 |
| 2022 date | March 7–13 |
| 2023 date | March 6–12 |
| 2024 date | March 4–10 |
| 2025 date | March 3–9 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | First female pilot licence worldwide anniversary | Raymonde de Laroche |
Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week (WOAW) is a special week each year that celebrates women in aviation. It also encourages more girls and women to get involved in flying and space. This week happens around March 8th. This date is important because it marks the day the world's first female pilot got her license in 1910.
The main goal of WOAW Week is to help more girls and women discover aviation. It wants to make sure that the world of flying and space has a good balance of both men and women. Since it started in 2010, activities have taken place in 52 countries. Over 420,000 girls and women have joined in hands-on events. Also, nearly 70,000 girls and women have had their very first flight in a small plane during this week. This is part of a special event called "Fly It Forward®".
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History of WOAW Week
The idea for Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week started in January 2010. A pilot and aviation teacher named Mireille Goyer wanted to celebrate a big anniversary. It was 100 years since the first woman in the world, Raymonde de Laroche, earned her pilot's license on March 8, 1910.
The "Fly It Forward" Idea
Mireille Goyer created the "Fly It Forward®" challenge. She asked pilots everywhere to give girls and women their first flight experience. This was during what was first called "Women Pilots' Week." It was a huge success! Because it was so popular, this one-time celebration became an annual event in 2011. That's when it got its current name, "Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week."
Why the Week is Important
Mireille Goyer's idea helps more girls and women learn about aviation. Many women in the past dreamed of seeing more women involved in all parts of flying. The "Fly It Forward®" initiative helps make that dream come true. It shows girls that aviation is for everyone.
The Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide
In 2012, Mireille Goyer started a group called the Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide (iWOAW). This group is a non-profit organization. It helps organize the contests and activities for WOAW Week. It also works all year long to help women join the aviation industry. The iWOAW team is made up of volunteers, and they work to create a better balance of genders in the air and space world.
Activities and Celebrations
During Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week, many exciting things happen. Events take place at airports and aerodromes (smaller airports) all over the world. You can also find activities in aviation museums and aerospace companies. Sometimes, special flights are even done to celebrate.
Challenges and Awards
The iWOAW group organizes different 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"
These awards recognize places and people who do the most to encourage girls and women in aviation.
Annual Themes
Each year, Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week has a special theme. This theme usually highlights a big moment in history for women in aviation or space. It helps everyone learn about different parts of the industry.
Past Themes (2010-2018)
- 2010 – 100 years of licensed female pilots (celebrating the world’s first female pilot license by Raymonde de Laroche from France)
- 2011 – 100 years of female air racers (celebrating the first woman to enter an air race, Hélène Dutrieu from Belgium)
- 2012 – 100 years of female seaplane pilots (celebrating the world’s first female seaplane pilot, Hélène Dutrieu from Belgium)
- 2013 – 50 years of women in space (celebrating the world's first female astronaut, Valentina Tereshkova from Russia)
- 2014 – 100 years of female aerobatic pilots (celebrating the world's first female aerobatic pilot, Lydia Zvereva from Russia)
- 2015 – 100 years of female pilots in combat (celebrating the world's first woman to fly in combat, Marie Marvingt from France)
- 2016 – 60 years of female bush pilots (celebrating the world's first female bush pilot, Ada Rogato from Brazil)
- 2017 – 80 years of female helicopter pilots (celebrating the world's first female helicopter pilot, Hanna Reitsch from Germany)
- 2018 - 65 years of supersonic women (celebrating the world's first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound, Jacqueline Cochran from the USA)
