Women have the power to achieve anything they aspire to and should ignore those who try to discourage them from their goals, Luam Getinet, First Officer of the Boeing 777 and 787, told Sputnik Africa.
"Don't feel discouraged; you can do anything. Don't listen to anybody who tells you that you cannot do anything just because you are a woman. Like, I'm an example that a woman can be a pilot, and there are a lot of women who are in different positions that are an example as well that you can do anything you want, just you have to work hard," she said.
Ethiopian Airlines has been promoting gender inclusion in aviation, with women excelling in leadership roles across various departments, including pilots, cabin crew, maintenance, and management. The airline's commitment to empowering women has provided a platform for them to thrive in what was once a male-dominated field.
"This [International Women’s Day] makes me very happy, and I'm honored to be part of it. I'm going to be flying to one of the destinations tomorrow, to Windhoek. And I would like to thank Ethiopian Airlines for giving us the opportunity on this day to show the world that we can do anything as women," Luam Getinet said.
Celebrated globally on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) honors achievements by women in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres while advocating for gender equality. The day originates from early 20th-century labor movements, with the first National Woman's Day observed in the United States in 1909 following garment workers' strikes. The choice of March 8 commemorates a pivotal women's strike in Russia in 1917 (February 23 on the Julian calendar), which played a key role in sparking the February Revolution.
The United Nations officially recognized IWD in 1977, and since 1996, annual themes have highlighted specific goals to further gender equality.
Symbolized by the colors purple (representing justice, dignity, and loyalty to a cause), green (hope), and white (sisterhood and solidarity), the day is marked worldwide through rallies, cultural events, awards, and activism. It is a public holiday in countries such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Russia, and many others. IWD serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.