DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) is currently seeking financial support from the government to enhance the civil aviation training fund.
The initiative aims to assist science students interested in aviation-related subjects, particularly those with potential but limited financial resources.
TCAA’s Director General, Mr Salim Msangi said that despite contributions from the authority and operators within the sector, there is still insufficient capacity to support many students.
“We are exploring the possibility of redirecting those funds to strengthen our efforts,” said Mr Msangi during the launch of the Female in Aviation Leaders Forum.
The high costs associated with studying these subjects pose significant challenges for many students thus, the authority recognises the need to create supportive environments to enable qualified students to pursue their studies without financial constraints.
The CATF is currently sponsoring 23 students, eight of whom are trained to be pilots while the remaining 13 are studying as technicians in Ethiopia.
The forum, the first of its kind for women in the aviation sector, was attended by over 100 participants and focused on empowering women to achieve positions such as pilots and technicians, which are predominantly held by men.
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Mr Msangi said the forum will act as a catalyst to help women gain recognition in the sector. “Women have been significantly underrepresented in critical fields like piloting and aircraft maintenance, so initiatives like this serve to enhance motivation,” he stated.
He added that through various efforts, including promoting science education at the school level, the authority is dedicated to increasing the number of women in these professions.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ms Riziki Juma Pembe, emphasised that the forum will help inspire women to achieve their dreams.
“We still observe male dominance in this sector, especially in piloting and aircraft maintenance roles, so this forum will encourage efforts for women in the industry,” she said.
Moreover, TCAA’s Director of Legal Services and founder of the forum Ms Maria Memba stressed the importance of continually motivating women to participate fully in leadership and decision-making in the sector.
“This forum aims to bring about positive change and ensure equal representation of women in the aviation sector in the country,” she added.
