Meet Malawi first female Captain, Yolanda Kaunda

Africans are once again celebrating a historic milestone in the continent’s aviation industry with the news that Malawi has shattered its aviation glass ceiling with the announcement of the country’s first female Captain, Yolanda Kaunda.

The historic news comes against the backdrop of the International Women’s Day celebrated yesterday themed #PledgeForParity and the news could not have come at a better time.

Malawi Tourism Council posted the news and congratulatory message on Facebook writing: “History has been made! Meet Malawi’s first female Captain. Congratulations Captain Yolanda Kaunda”.

The news is been shared and celebrated across various social media platforms.

Travelmalawiguide posted on Facebook: “We are very proud of you. Malawi is proud to have the first ever captain and it is you madam. You are a role model to many women and young ladies. Wishing you all the best.

Fly Malawian Airlines and be part of this history making”.

Congratulations our First Ever Female Captain in Malawi – Captain Yolanda Kaundahttps://t.co/LWIy4isxS5 pic.twitter.com/6hjlnCm87t

— Travel Malawi Guide (@travel2malawi) March 9, 2016

Malawi follows after the footsteps of Zimbabwe which re-wrote its aviation history last year when the country witnessed its first all female flight deck crew flying Air Zimbabwe’s Boeing 737. In another historic moment in Zimbabwe, Ellen Chiweshe was in January promoted to become the country’s first female air commodore.

Last year, 28 year-old Lieutenant Ouma Laouali from Niger became the first female pilot to serve in the country’s Armed Forces, flying the Cessna aircraft, a “combat caravan”, used for various military operations. In another historic achievement which was widely celebrated, Ethiopian Airlines operated a historic maiden all-women flight, hailed by many as inspirational.

Source: Malawi Tourism Council