About GIAA
Who we are
Girls in Aviation Africa Foundation (GIAA) is a registered non-profit in Kenya, founded on July 7, 2021. It addresses the lack of exposure, support, and navigation for African girls in the aviation industry, particularly black women. GIAA aims to raise awareness about diverse aviation careers beyond the popular professions such as pilot, engineer or flight attendant. Guided by a commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and sisterhood, GIAA seeks to empower young African women in aviation, drawing inspiration from each other.
Vision
Mission
Values
Advocacy:
We are the voice championing for more female representation within the aviation industry.
Mentorship:
We support those joining the aviation field to navigate with clarity and confidence.
Sisterhood:
We are there for each other beyond painting the skies pink together.
Coverage map
60
GIAA ladies
3
Network levels
7,000
Students reached
5,000
High school girls reached
500
Primary school boys & girls
10
Kenya counties visited
The back story
Awareness & support
As GIAA we saw a need to inform and raise awareness of the different careers within aviation such as air traffic controllers, flight dispatcher, airport managers, ground handlers, safety officers, flight turn around coordinators and so much more. We also saw a gap in supporting young African female professionals who are already in the sector and require support within the industry.
Inspiration
The inspiration behind our establishment stems from our own realization of the lack of exposure to the diverse careers within aviation, as well as the limited support available to African women seeking to enter and navigate the industry.
We recognized a unique challenge facing African girls: many are never exposed to aviation careers, and those who are often lack the funding, mentorship and guidance needed to pursue and build careers in the industry. We also realized that many girls are only familiar with the mainstream careers of pilots, engineers and flight attendants, unaware of the many other opportunities aviation has to offer.
This inspired us to create a platform that provides exposure, mentorship and support to aspiring African aviation professionals, helping them discover the possibilities within aviation and giving them the guidance and confidence to pursue their dreams.
Globally, women remain significantly underrepresented in aviation, making up only approximately 4% of pilots, 3% of engineers and 3% of top leadership positions. These global statistics highlight an even greater need to create opportunities and pathways for women and girls in Africa, where representation remains limited.
Mentorship & sisterhood
We aim to mentor and support young girls as they begin and navigate their aviation careers. This includes guiding them on choosing suitable flight schools and training pathways, identifying career opportunities, building professional portfolios, and navigating the industry with confidence.
At GIAA, we are passionate about advocacy, mentorship and sisterhood. We believe in creating an inclusive community where girls and young women from diverse backgrounds, beliefs and circumstances can access opportunities, support one another, and be empowered to pursue meaningful careers in aviation. We are committed to raising a generation of women who will make a lasting impact in the aviation industry and beyond.
Message from the founder
My journey in aviation has been one of faith, perseverance and purpose. As an African woman navigating an industry where women remain underrepresented, I experienced firsthand the gaps in exposure, mentorship and support available to young African girls who dream of careers in aviation.
This is what inspired me to establish Girls in Aviation Africa Foundation—to ensure that the girls coming after me have someone to guide them, encourage them and remind them that they belong. My vision is to see an African aviation industry where women are not only present, but empowered to lead and shape its future.
At the heart of this journey is my faith in Jesus Christ and my belief that I have been placed here “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). I believe my journey is bigger than me, and I am committed to using it to create opportunities and leave a lasting impact on the next generation.
Maseka Konana
Founder & Head of Partnerships
Team
Making an impact
Our work, and our founder, have been recognised by the aviation and business community.
Brand Award — Community Building
Aviators Africa Tower Awards, 2023
Awarded to Girls in Aviation Africa.
Most Outstanding Woman in Aviation
Excellent Women in Business Awards, 2026
Awarded to our founder, Maseka Konana.
Annual report
We have our annual report available at the end of the year.
Check back here later.