28/07/2026
Today, we proudly recognize ESWACAA’s Gender Equality Committee Members who represented the Kingdom of Eswatini at the ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization Global Aviation Gender Summit, held last week in Luanda, Angola, alongside ESWACAA Director General, Ms. Mtetwa-Amaeshi.
The Summit brought together aviation leaders, regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across the world to discuss practical actions for increasing the participation of women in aviation, particularly in technical, operational, and leadership roles. It focused on advancing gender equality through stronger leadership development, mentorship, education, access to opportunities, and accountability mechanisms that can drive measurable progress across the aviation industry.
For Eswatini, participation in this Summit was especially significant. During her presentation on Strengthening Women's Participation in Africa's Aviation Sector, ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization Eastern and Southern African Regional Director Ms. Lucy Mbugua highlighted Eswatini among the African States that have demonstrated notable progress across the continent through the increasing representation of women in civil aviation leadership. This recognition places Eswatini among a growing group of nations championing diversity, inclusion, and gender equality within the aviation sector.
As a State, Eswatini continues to advocate for gender equality, recognizing that empowering women is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic necessity for the growth, innovation, and sustainability of aviation. The recognition received at the Summit reflects the country's commitment to creating an enabling environment where women and men have equal opportunities to contribute, lead, and shape the future of aviation.
A notable highlight of the Summit was the participation of ESWACAA Director General, Ms. Mtetwa-Amaeshi, who served as a panellist during Plenary Panel 6: “Turning Resolutions into Action: Monitoring Progress and Reporting to Drive Accountability.” The session was moderated by the ICAO Eastern and Southern African Regional Office Regional Director and also featured Ms. Alice Harding Shackelford and Ms. Vangiliya Filipe.
During the discussion, Ms. Mtetwa-Amaeshi and her fellow panellists explored the importance of robust monitoring frameworks, measurable outcomes, and transparent reporting in advancing meaningful and sustainable gender equality across the aviation sector. Their contributions emphasized the need to move beyond commitments and ensure that progress is tracked, measured, and translated into lasting impact.
The Summit further highlighted key priorities for the future, including demystifying STEM careers for young girls, expanding access to aviation training and scholarships, creating mentorship opportunities, increasing industry exposure, and amplifying the visibility of female role models who can inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
Such initiatives reinforce that ESWACAA and the Kingdom of Eswatini share a common ambition with the global aviation community: to build a more inclusive aviation sector where talent is recognized, supported, and empowered to thrive regardless of gender. Achieving this ambition will require continued collaboration, accountability, and collective action across the industry.
As Eswatini continues to champion gender equality, ESWACAA remains committed to developing future aviation talent, empowering women and girls, and ensuring that the country's progress contributes to a stronger and more inclusive aviation sector for Africa and the world.
