Barbara defies odds everyday she puts her pilot outfit on merely because she is a woman. At 2017 you would think our conversation would be different but sadly this is not the case and as a woman myself living life defying odds, showing other young women and girls that someone who looks just like them is doing what they would hope to do, and one day when chance and opportunity meets upon their journey in life they too will be following forth in the same footsteps. It was thus fitting to share Barbara’s story and how she continues to put her step forward regardless of any setbacks she may experience just because of her gender. Her story will for sure leave you inspired and certainly motivated to also want to be the change that others desire to be.
Enjoy and share with others alike!!!
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| Pilot - Barbara Kamau |
In October 2015 ‘The Telegraph’ recently shared an article on women
pilots and in it they stated that in accordance with the International Society
of Women Airline Pilots (ISA) they are around 4000 women pilots registered out
of 130,000 pilots, which puts it at 3%. So as a woman pilot does this figure
surprise you? For instance when you studied to be one how many women were you
in class compared to the men?
Sad to say,
but when I studied I was the only girl in my class. So to be honest, this
number doesn't surprise me. Though there has been significant growth with the
number of women training as pilots despite it being a male dominated industry.
Why do you think at 2017 the disparity between men and women within your
field is so vastly noticeable?
Like I said
above, aviation is a male dominated industry. For instance there are still some
companies that DO NOT hire women whatsoever. Sometimes some passengers even
make remarks like “oh two girls flying, I hope we'll make it in one piece.”
Even though
there's a guy and he's the first officer and captain is a lady, they would
still think that the guy is obviously the captain, and it makes some people
more comfortable that there's a guy instead of two ladies. After all how can
two tiny ladies fly a whole plane!
Also I
could be wrong but there are some high schools that offer aviation as a course
e.g Pioneer. This course isn't available in girl schools.
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| Seen here on a 'King Air 200" |
It depends
on the individual. You could choose to let these things get to you, or you can
show them that what a man can do, a woman always does better. Facts only *wink
wink*
However, you can't really control the employers though, and so we can
only hope that one day they will give equal opportunities to women as they do
to men.
Often when one chooses a career, there will be someone of the same sex
that acts as a source of inspiration. However, within piloting as previously
highlighted as a female the options are limiting. So essentially what made you
get into piloting? Did you have a woman pilot that inspired you or did you seek
to be the inspiration others will need in the future?
My mum was
a flight attendant when I was very young. So I guess all those trips with her
had some influence. I love love love flying. I wouldn't have it any other way and
I definitely do seek to be the inspiration others will need in the future.
What is your ultimate dream as you carry on in the journey of the
skies?
My ultimate
dream is to fly a jet and if I may I'll be back on here when I eventually do,
for I'm sure I'll have much more insight.
You are indeed a reflection of inspiration and it would be most
definitely an honour to share your further progress as you continue to defy
odds. As they will be another aspiring young woman
pilot perhaps reading this, and sees you as her source of inspiration what
advice would you give her as they work on being a pilot?
Focus!
Focus! Focus! Work on being the best you can be. Put your everything into it!
Do not half ass it. There will be many rejections as you look for a job but
keep on keeping on. It took me four years to get my first job after I had
achieved my license. Never give up on your dreams. You have to dream before
your dreams come true.
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| Barbara often flies with a female co-pilot |
As we end what has been a thrilling interview, kindly share with the CCL readers a motto/quote you live by that
encourages you and keeps you motivated.
The worst
day of flying still beats the best day of real work.
It is always very enlightening when I read back
through my CClinspire feature stories but I must say this is one feature that I
truly resonate with for I know the struggles one faces when trying to progress
in a career path by being a minority be it gender, race or even age. However,
Barbara proves once again that in life you have a choice, a choice to either
give up or not let pre-determined ideas be of your reality but rather be the
goals and change others seek to obtain or be.
Question is which person do you choose to be?
Thanks for reading and may this be the
matchstick that lights up the fire in you.
If you would like to share your story or
recommend someone, kindly email crazycoollush@gmail.com
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Just stumbled upon this today. She was such a lovely soul. May she rest in peace.
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