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The International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2023, is #DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.
In line with the international women’s day, Mamaj Aviation blog is celebrating some leading women holding her own in the Aviation, travel and tourism industry in Nigeria, whose story will inspire women out there…Women who are working assiduously behind the scenes, pushing boundaries and leaving a mark!
1. Please introduce yourself, your name, where are you from. Give us a brief career history. What schools did you attend?
My name is Ruth Adeola Adebanwo, and I am from Kwara state. I have been in the aviation industry for over 20 years, first as a cabin crew and then as a pilot.
2. How many years have you spent in the Aviation Industry? Pursuing a career in Piloting which was once a male dominated field, what challenges did you face?
Life is full of challenges, but the ability to move past every challenge is essential and always makes one stronger. I have had several challenges, from being a female with small stature as a student pilot to being accepted in society
as a female pilot.
as a female pilot.
3. As the Chief Pilot of Ibom Air, you wear many caps, how do you cope with the demands of the different roles? What strategy have you adopted to help you cope?
You are right because I am a pilot and then a manager. I have the people & the support, which has helped a great deal. I do not have a strategy. I do my very best to my ability.
4. How have you been able to balance work life and family?
Balancing work and family is a role women take naturally, though not easy. I am blessed with a family that supports me, but I try not to neglect my family while I still do all I am supposed to do at work.
5. What challenges have you encountered on the job and on your journey to the top, especially as a woman?
The challenges I encountered are general challenges encountered as pilots, but over the years, women have been getting more attention and are seen as pilots, not just women.
6. With reference to this year’s campaign theme, what is your opinion about “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” How can you relate this to Aviation?
This year’s theme, I believe, is very apt. The world is evolving, technology is present and future, and aviation is not left behind. The world is going digital at a very fast pace, and one needs to keep up. I am more excited because the innovation is bridging the inequality gap between men and women. Now, with the tech innovations, some work that would have required men with muscle can now be done just by using buttons, and so a woman sitting in the
comfort of her home or office can get a lot of work done. We all know that women are wired to multitask, and with tech innovation, women are soaring because they can do different things all at the same time.
comfort of her home or office can get a lot of work done. We all know that women are wired to multitask, and with tech innovation, women are soaring because they can do different things all at the same time.
7. What advice do you have for the aspiring young women out there who may want to tow your line of profession?
For aspiring young women out there, do not be afraid; believe in yourself. The sky is not the limit. Put in your best and, most importantly, trust God.
