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Women, a power to be reckoned with   Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

Isn’t the “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” story of Kajuju touching? It is great to read something that comes from the heart and is down-to-earth. Actually, it is so down to earth that it should be a lesson to all of us.

What strikes me most is that in a world of people talking about aircraft worth several million dollars, here is someone who is totally happy to get $1,000. I am absolutely convinced that this is the best $1,000 investment to be made not just in Women, not just in Aviation, but in the future of many young people in Africa. This is not about $ 1,000 buying power; it is about getting a ball rolling or even triggering an avalanche. Imagine how many young people could be motivated to get into a career and being well paid. And it doesn’t stop there. From my experience in Africa it means that whole families beyond just the immediate mom, dad, brothers and sisters . . . other relatives find some benefit.

Who are WCA?

Kajuju was a Women in Corporate Aviation International Career Scholarship Winner. But who are these Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA)? Actually, according to the mission statement, it will become the premier association for men and women in corporate and business aviation. Yes, you read that right, also for men! I have been invited to several meetings and felt very welcome and enjoyed the atmosphere. There is an attitude of helping and supporting each other. It is not about doing business or bragging how much business one did or polished images. Why not? I think the secret is lies in a quotation of Chris Montaigne: “A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added”.

WCA is a group of aviation professionals, including pilots, flight department personnel, FBO managers, writers, students, training center professionals and many others. And as for the scholarships, they are funded from within the organization in a desire to foster and promote men and women’s success in the business/corporate field of aviation.

A very special young lady

A native of Africa, Kajuju has seen and experienced first-hand this continent’s potential for continued development, especially in the aviation sector, where her personal passion lies. Having seen this potential, even in herself, she has made it her personal endeavor to engage young women and the youth of the African culture in this growing industry. Through mentorship and aviation conferences, Kajuju has been fueled with a passion to enable and motivate others. She is using these experiences as a tool to provide guidance and encouragement to the

potential young aviators and people of her country. Her passion has founded the mentorship organization Women Aviators in Africa (WAFRIC). Kajuju has successfully used this as a venue to participate in aviation clubs, public schools, and sector panels to promote aviation in Africa. Kajuju is currently converting her Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) (JAA) to a Kenyan CPL and is working on her Bachelors of Science in Computer Science. She is also a board member and volunteers for Woman and Youth in African Development, a member of Women in Aviation International (WAI) and WAI Europe, as well as Sweden’s Engineers. Her long-term goals are to own a Kenyan charter company that will employ those whom she has mentored and to open an aviation library.

Who can help?

“If there's one thing I am very grateful about is that I have had the opportunity to experience both the developing and developed worlds,” Kajuju wrote to me a couple of days ago, “I see the challenges faced by the kids in the Western world are very different from those in developing countries.” Kajuju was able to start a library at the Nairobi Aviation Club. Could you imagine how many young people could be inspired by a flight simulation program on a computer, if only the Aviation club in Nairobi had one? Kajuju wrote: “Internet is still in its infancy in Kenya, and Africa as a whole. Many students have never set their eyes on a computer let alone used one.” I wonder if someone among our readers could lend a helping hand?

High value at a low fee

Women in Corporate Aviation are the role models to the next generation of aviation professionals. They aim to promote and support the future of business aviation through involvement, education, public speaking and scholarship programs. Their purpose is to provide a network of professionals acting as mentors for those seeking assistance in achieving personal and professional career development. We know that everything has a price tag. However I have never seen such a low price tag for so much help and service. Membership fees are really low: individual $35; students $20; corporate $250. I know about one employer who made all his female employees members of WCA. Why not? I think it is worth it! More information about Women in Corporate Aviation and also about the scholarships may be found at the WCA website: www.wca-intl.org

Not into corporate aviation or located in Europe?

Well, there is also a Women in Aviation International (www.wai.org). In America, they are a tremendous organization, created in 1990, with over 14,000 members. Their annual conference usually draws about 3,000 attendees and 125 exhibitors. A force to be reckoned with! You are located in Europe? Women in Aviation also has a chapter in Europe (www.aweu.org). You should also know that there will be a European Women in Aviation Regional Conference on November 5th/6th in the Brooklands Musem in London. If you would like to join or support the meeting contact: waisouthernenglandchapter@yahoo.co.uk 

Last but absolutely not least there is the Women Aviators in Africa organization of Kajuju (www.wafric.org). All of them are close together and help each other no matter where they are located.

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. - Isadora James.

The author Cdr. Bud Slabbaert is an expert in Development of Business Aviation at airports. He is initiator and Conference Chairman of the BA-MEETUP.

The 3rd annual BA-Meetup will take place in London, March 14-16, 2011. It is a Business Aviation joint conference for Schedulers, Dispatchers, Pilots, Operators, FBOs, Executive Handling Agents, Business Airports, and International Service Providers in Europe and the Middle East. Full details are available at: www.ba-meetup.com

©BlueSky Business Aviation News | 20th May 2010 | Issue #76

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