By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
The Manager – General Sales Agent – Delta Air Lines, Eloina Baddoo, is urging women to consider roles in the aviation industry to support gender balance.
Speaking to journalists during a boot camp session for 30 high school-aged girls from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa organised by Delta Air Lines and JA Africa to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), she noted that in past years, the aviation industry has lacked sufficient female representation.
Ms. Baddoo, however, expressed confidence that with intentional efforts to alter the perception of aviation as a male-dominated sector, emphasising encouragement, education and mentorship, more women can pursue roles within the industry.
Touching on this year’s IWD theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’, she underscored the importance of recognising the unique qualities of each female child and tailoring educational programmes accordingly, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to education.
She explained that this approach would simplify the process of identifying individual capabilities. “It’s essential to recognise and accommodate uniqueness, rather than expecting everyone to learn or acquire the same knowledge or skills.”
She also urged parents and guardians to be attentive to the challenges their children face and assist them in overcoming them.
Naana Winful Fynn, Regional Director for West Africa at Norfund, on her part, acknowledged the need for women to step out of their comfort zones, recognise their achievements in reaching their current high positions and strive harder to make meaningful contributions.
Ms. Fynn encouraged young women to seek out positive role models who are willing to support and invest in their success.
“For young women, I think it is important to seek out mentors at all levels in life. They can be your teachers, seniors and parents. They will help guide you,” she added.
