Gender Equality; Malawi’s First Female Captain Flies The Country’s First All Women Flight. Photos

Malawi Airlines flew the first all-female flight in the country’s history. Yolanda Ndala-Kaunda Malawi’s first female captain was the captain at the cockpit. “I have been flying for nine years. And in the nine years, I was the only woman in the flight bag, so for me I am really happy that there is someone else who can join me and I’m hoping that there will even more in the coming years.” Captain Ndala-Kaunda told VOA

Women handled the entire operations, support and formed the cabin crew to successfully fly the Bombardier Q400 from Chileka International Airport in Blantrye, Malawi to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

From security checks, customer service, check-ins, air traffic control to cabin procedures, ground control officers, police and immigration officials were also all female.

The Airlines says that the flight is meant to inspire women’s empowerment and encourage more girls to pursue careers in aviation. According to Malawi Airlines only 36 percent of its workforce is women and only two of the company’s 12 pilots are women.

First Lady of the Republic of Malawi Madame Getrude Mutharika who was accompanied by Mary Chilima the wife to Vice President Saulos Chilima saw off the ladies.

Dr. Gertrude Mutharika said the all-women flight was a symbol that Malawi was on the right track towards women empowerment.