By CHRISTINE MWAABA –

•FIRST Lady Esther Lungu with female pilots during the launch of the Women in Aviation Zambia Chapter at Kenneth Kaunda
International Airport in Lusaka yesterday. Picture by THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSE

FIRST Lady Esther Lungu has said Zambia has made tremendous strides in ensuring that women are given the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Ms Lungu said in Lusaka yesterday that there was need to continue raising the profile of women in all sectors, including aviation.
She said women should be recognised as they were the drivers of change as well as breaking barriers of opportunities.
Ms Lungu said this when she officially launched the Women in Aviation Zambia Chapter at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
She was pleased that today, women in Zambia had taken up opportunities in the aviation sector which was previously perceived as a male dominated field.
“We need to bring more women on board in all sectors and it is good that now we even have the youngest pilot Besa Mumba who is a true example of the capabilities of women if given the support,” she said.
Communications and Transport Permanent Secretary Misheck Lungu said the newly-launched Women in Aviation Zambia Chapter aimed at recognising the efforts made by women in the aviation sector.
“We are advancing empowerment of women in aviation and at present there has been a good number of women taking up jobs in aviation, a clear indication that the industry is growing,” he said.
Women in Aviation Zambia Chapter chairperson Yichidi Ndlovu said the Chapter would help promote public understanding of the accomplishments and contributions of women in aviation.
Captain Ndlovu thanked the Government for building modern structures such as the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, which would help maximise the potential of the profession.