At Aviation Africa 2025 in Kigali, African Pilot Magazine spoke with Ivana Alvares-Marshall, Governor of the African Section Ninety–Nines–Malawi, about their mission to promote women in aviation.
She shared how the Ninety-Nines, founded by Amelia Earhart in 1929, have grown to 6,000 members across 44 countries, with the African Section launched in 2018. Their work focuses on raising awareness, youth outreach, and STEM education to inspire young girls to pursue careers in aviation.
From running youth programmes with various industry partners to providing scholarships for pilot training, ratings, maintenance, and degrees, the African Section Ninety-Nines are helping to build a new generation of women pilots and aviation professionals.
Ivana’s message to young girls: Dream big. Nothing is impossible if you have the desire and determination to achieve it.
