Women in Aviation India, a dynamic movement for the women, by the women, driven by a shared passion to share their valuable insights & experiences and break gender barriers, continue their efforts to create a more inclusive aviation world by empowering the next generation.
Celebrating the 10th edition in Dehradun
Women in Aviation India (WAI) marked the 10th edition of Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) with an event in Dehradun on March 16, 2026, in collaboration with the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) under the Directorate General of Training, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The initiative completes a decade of outreach focused on encouraging young girls to explore careers in aviation.
A decade of impact across India
Since its inception in 2016, GIAD has grown into a transformative movement, reaching over 50,000 girls across 35 cities, from metros to remote towns, with the invaluable support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The initiative continues to bridge the gender gap in a sector long dominated by men by fostering awareness, education, and mentorship.
Inspiring sessions and industry interaction
Following a GIAD program in Dehradun in October 2025, Women in Aviation India collaborated with NSTI for another session, engaging students at the NSTI centre. The program included interactions with women professionals such as Neerja Sodhi, Pragati Kamboj and Kirti Tiwari, who shared their experiences and insights into careers in aviation.
Encouraging awareness and participation
The interactive program created awareness amongst the participants about aviation’s wide-ranging career opportunities, while underscoring the vital role of STEM education, skill-building, and mentorship. It was truly delightful to watch the young students display curiosity and excitement, as they captured their aspirations and ideas in heartfelt essays.
Leadership perspective
Speaking on the milestone, Radha Bhatia, President, Women in Aviation India said, “In the last decade, we have moved ahead, one determined step at a time and have grown from strength to strength every year. Our work is a testimony of great teamwork by our invaluable members, their unwavering passion and commitment to see women flying high and achieving milestones that once seemed impossible! I am eternally grateful for the constant support of Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu (Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India), the Secretary, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI and all its affiliated stakeholders. I am also grateful to the schools and colleges who welcomed us warmly to inspire and engage with their students. I am also very grateful to each and every member of Women in Aviation India, who stood by us and worked shoulder to shoulder. Today GIAD celebrations are not just events, they are a movement. We are proud that thousands of young girls across India have now met role models, flown drones, experienced an airport ecosystem and most importantly discovered that aviation is not a distant dream, it is a career within easy reach. Let’s together work towards breaking the barriers and advancing gender parity within the aviation industry. Tomorrow looks bright and promising for our young girls who will be a part of India’s epic growth story!”
