Amel Ajongo Mawut is a remarkable woman who has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes. As the first female commercial pilot in South Sudan, she is an inspiration to women and girls across the country and the world. In this article, we take a closer look at her story and find out why she decided to become a pilot.
Growing up in South Sudan, Amel was always fascinated by planes and dreamed of flying one someday. However, she was told by many people that it was not a suitable career for a woman. Despite this, Amel was determined to pursue her passion and break through the gender barriers in the aviation industry.
After completing her studies in Egypt, Amel returned to South Sudan and applied for a job as a pilot. She was accepted by the national carrier, South Sudan Airways, and began her training in 2011. Amel worked hard to overcome the challenges and obstacles that she faced, including the lack of support from some of her colleagues and the prejudices of some passengers who were hesitant to fly with a female pilot.
However, Amel remained determined and focused on her goal. She credits her success to her faith, hard work, and the support of her family and friends. In an interview with CNN, she said, “I was always praying to God to help me achieve my dream. I put in a lot of hard work, and I had a lot of support from my family, especially my parents.”
Amel’s achievements have earned her international recognition and acclaim. In 2019, she was awarded the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Young Aviation Professional Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of the aviation industry. She has also been invited to speak at various international conferences and events to share her experience and inspire others.
For Amel, becoming a pilot is not just a personal achievement, but also a way to inspire and empower other women and girls to pursue their dreams and break through the barriers that hold them back. She hopes to see more women enter the aviation industry and believes that their unique perspectives and talents will help to drive innovation and progress in the field.
