Women in Aviation Conference Ends With Renewed Call for Gender Inclusion

(JUBA) – The 3rd Annual Women in Aviation Conference South Sudan concluded in Juba on 31 October 2025 after three days of discussion, mentorship and exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening women’s participation in the country’s aviation industry.

Held under the theme “Empowering Women, Transforming Aviation,” the event brought together aviation professionals, civil society representatives and international partners to explore ways of increasing women’s visibility and leadership in the sector.

The closing day featured remarks from Apiu De Maiwak, Chairperson of the South Sudan Women in Aviation Association, Mr. David Manyuon Nak, Director General for Administration and Human Resource at the Bank of South Sudan and Mr. Daffalla Habib Awongo, Director for Corporate Services at the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA).

Speakers praised the steady progress being made by women in aviation and urged continued collaboration between government, industry players, and development partners. They emphasised that advancing gender equality in aviation is key to improving safety, innovation and human capital development across South Sudan’s transport industry.

Ms. Maiwak described the conference as “a platform where voices of women professionals merge into one powerful message that gender inclusion is not just fair, it is necessary for progress.”

Day two of the conference focused on capacity building and cross border cooperation. Squadron Leader Parul of the Indian Air Force (UNMISS) and Captain Chantal K. Mucyo of the Rwandan Air Force (UNMISS) led discussions on the use of aviation in humanitarian response operations.

Pilot Suzana Lueth delivered a presentation on meteorological hazards affecting air safety, while civil society activist Mama Zahra Said spoke about the role of women in civil society and national development.

The conference also featured a special session on mental health in aviation, highlighting the importance of psychological well being for pilots, air traffic controllers and flight crew.

The South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote women’s leadership and participation in the aviation industry.

In a statement, the authority said it will continue to encourage training, mentorship and equal access to aviation opportunities for women across the country.

Participants expressed optimism that more women will enter and thrive in South Sudan’s aviation sector as the conference closed. A statement from the aviation body SSCAA said future editions will focus on technical training and scholarships to prepare young women for careers as pilots, engineers and aviation safety experts.