24-Year-Old Woman Becomes Rwanda’s First Female Commercial Pilot, Inspiring Generations

Esther Mbabazi, Rwanda’s first female commercial pilot at 24, overcame personal tragedy and societal stereotypes to inspire generations with her resilience, determination, and groundbreaking achievements in aviation.

Esther Mbabazi, a 24-year-old trailblazer, has made history as Rwanda’s first female commercial pilot, becoming a symbol of determination and empowerment across East Africa.

Esther’s fascination with aviation began at just five years old. Watching airplanes soar through the sky, she declared to herself, “I want to be the one flying that plane.” Growing up in a country that had never seen a female pilot, her dream seemed ambitious, but her resolve was unwavering.

“You know what? I’m going to fly, and that’s what motivated me my entire life—this idea I had as a young child,” she said.

A Path Marked by Challenges

At the age of eight, Esther experienced a life-altering tragedy: the loss of her father in a plane crash. While some family members believed her passion for aviation was linked to unresolved trauma, Esther explained that her dreams were fueled by her love of flying, not her past. Instead of deterring her, her father’s death strengthened her resolve to succeed.

“I love the adventure. Every day is different. Even if I’m flying to the same destination, something will be unique. That’s what I enjoy most about my job—each day brings its own excitement,” she shared.

Esther faced societal stereotypes head-on in her pursuit of becoming a pilot. “It’s a modern world. I have no fear of heights, and I like machinery,” she confidently stated.

However, her journey was not without its challenges. In one instance, a male passenger refused to board her flight upon learning she was the pilot. But Esther chose to focus on the overwhelming support she received. “For every person who doubts me, there are thousands more who celebrate and uplift me,” she said.

Esther credits Rwanda’s progressive stance on women’s empowerment for creating the opportunities that allowed her to achieve her dream. “In Rwanda, we’re seeing more women in non-traditional roles. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come as a nation,” she noted.

Esther has flown prestigious aircraft, including RwandAir’s Airbus A330 and CRJ-900, and was recently inducted into the Captain’s Club of the International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21). Her achievements inspire young girls across Rwanda and beyond, many of whom reach out to her for advice and mentorship.

“You know, a lot of leadership roles in Rwanda are held by women. I think Rwanda is doing a great job training and supporting women in all aspects of life,” she said.

For aspiring female pilots, Esther offered these words of encouragement: “Everything starts with a dream. Study math, ignore the naysayers, and think about what stands between you and your dream—then completely ignore it.”

Esther Mbabazi’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of breaking barriers. Her journey continues to inspire countless others to aim high and achieve their dreams.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION