Girls around the world on September 23 participated in the ninth annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD), organized by Women in Aviation International (WAI). The number of participants more than doubled—from 16,000 last year to 30,000—and the number of countries where the events took place grew from 19 to 31. GIAD events also increased, from 120 last year to 168.
Girls in Aviation Day is part of a multifaceted international youth STEM education program designed by WAI. The program, called Aviation for Girls, includes the GIAD events as well as free Junior memberships in WAI for youth aged eight to 18. It also included Aviation for Girls magazine and an app featuring monthly webinars, aviation STEM education activities, videos of female aviators highlighting various careers and aviation books, virtual tours of museums and airports, information about WAI scholarships, and a timeline of WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame inductees.
Girls in Aviation Day events took place at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Participants learned of the career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace by meeting female role models, listened to career panels, and explored airplanes and airports.
The girls also participated in an array of hands-on, educational activities ranging from sectional chart treasure hunts, and first flights on simulators. They also learned about aircraft engines, avionics, weather systems, and space.
“Our Girls in Aviation Day events are designed to spark girls’ interest in aviation and aerospace while learning science, technology, engineering, and math subjects in an interactive, fun format,” said WAI interim CEO Stephanie Kenyon. “Working together with our industry partners, donors, and sponsors, we are creating a pipeline of talented women who will one day lead aviation and aerospace into the future.”