By Dina Abd Elghany
Women are the essence of humanity and the cornerstone of society in the field of civil aviation, where responsibilities are immense, and the need for precision and skill knows no gender, appearance, or discrimination. Women have always made outstanding contributions in air traffic control, piloting aircraft, system maintenance, aircraft engineering, and information systems.
Women in Egypt and the Arab world have broken many traditional barriers and soared freely in the skies of aviation. However, as with every journey to success, there are hardships, challenges, and obstacles that make reaching the goal even sweeter. The story of every woman in this sensitive field stands as the greatest proof of her limitless abilities and belief that nothing is impossible. This “beauty” can tame the “beast” and achieve her objectives while maintaining her essential roles in shaping society, raising honorable generations, and fulfilling her social responsibilities within her family.
In air traffic control, in particular, women have entered a field once monopolized by men, proving their right to equality. In a short period, they have sent a powerful message to the world: strength is not in the body but in the mind and intellect. Any mental barriers are self-imposed and exist only in the subconscious.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended the necessity of female representation in this distinguished field, recognizing that women will undoubtedly leave a significant mark and play a crucial role in reshaping the system, just as they do in society.
In 2005, Egypt made its first public announcement inviting women to apply for the profession of air traffic controllers. Many ambitious women with great dreams sought to break every restriction and barrier. Thirty women were selected after passing all tests and interviews, becoming pioneers in the field. Over time, through rigorous training and evaluations, they proved to be a commendable model of determination and perseverance. Their resilience played a remarkable role in improving air traffic management efficiency and ensuring the safety of Egyptian airspace.
I, being one of them, have had the privilege of presenting stories and inspiring models of successful Egyptian women in air traffic control. These achievements serve as motivation for future generations to carry the torch forward and make a tangible difference. Among these pioneers, we recognize outstanding figures such as Captain Ghada Salah, whose exceptional voice and technical expertise distinguish her, and Captain Jilan Yasser, among many other remarkable women.
Moving from the critical and engaging field of air traffic control to the realm of piloting, Egyptian women have defied stereotypes in aviation. Traditionally, people have associated the cockpit with men, but many women have shattered this perception.
One such inspirational leader is Captain Nevin Darwish. Captain Nevin Darwish demonstrated exceptional skill and remarkable capabilities by piloting the world’s largest aircraft, the Airbus A380.
She is Egypt’s first female captain, following in the footsteps of Captain Lotfia El Nadi, the first Egyptian woman to obtain a private pilot’s license in 1933 and the second female pilot worldwide. Another iconic figure is Captain Aziza Moharram, who, in 1957, became the first Egyptian woman to hold the position of senior instructor at Egypt Air.
Notably, Captain Nevin Darwish’s daughter, Captain Berihan, is also a first officer (FO) on the Airbus A330. This highlights Nevin’s dual role as a devoted mother and a professional pilot, proving that excelling in one’s career does not come at the expense of family responsibilities. Instead, she has nurtured another outstanding aviation role model.
We now turn to the demanding profession of aircraft engineering and maintenance, which plays a crucial role in ensuring aircraft safety and efficiency. Female engineers and system operators in air traffic control work diligently to maintain smooth operations through regular technical maintenance and system updates.
One notable figure is: Engineer Amani Al-Najjar, the first Egyptian female aircraft engineer to become a senior maintenance engineer at Egypt Air. There are countless other shining names in this field-women whose achievements illuminate Egypt’s skies. This beautiful woman, through her efforts and intelligence, has managed to tame this beast to be her ally in success. There is no doubt that the sky is the limit for their ambitions. I do not see happiness in accumulating wealth; rather, true happiness lies in fulfillment.
Global studies and statistics have shown the following:
Percentage of Women in Air Traffic Control:
20-25% of air traffic controllers worldwide are women.
In Egypt, 15-20% of air traffic controllers are women.
Percentage of Female Pilots:
Around 5-7% of civil aviation pilots worldwide are women.
In Egypt, about 3-5% of pilots are women.
Percentage of Women in Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance:
Women constitute approximately 10-12% of the workforce in this field.
Around 3-5% of women hold leadership and senior positions in aviation companies.
Although the percentage of women in aviation worldwide and in Egypt remains relatively low, it is gradually increasing with growing awareness and encouragement for women to enter these advanced fields. The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day in March, particularly on March 8th.
On this day, we honor mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, friends, companions, teachers, and mentors-every woman who embodies virtue and ethics-for their achievements and contributions to a strong and enduring society. A truly happy woman is one who finds strength in her belief in her abilities and dreams, paving the way for the dreams of future generations.
Ms. Dina Abd Elghany is a Senior Air Traffic Controller, National Air Navigation Services Company (NANSC).