Mireille Goyer is the founder and president of the Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide (iWOAW). With an eclectic background spanning computer graphics, aviation training, and professional piloting, Mireille has dedicated her career to advancing gender diversity within the air and space industries. Since founding iWOAW, she has led global efforts to engage, educate and empower women and girls, breaking down barriers and challenging outdated perceptions.
“The aviation industry must move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to real, lasting change.”
My journey into aviation and advocacy
My career path has been far from conventional. I began my studies in mathematics and physics before transitioning into the emerging field of computer graphics. Initially, aviation was a personal passion, but it quickly turned into a professional calling. I developed aviation training programs on the computer side, became a flight instructor and earned my airline pilot’s licence.
In 2010, upon realising that the 100th anniversary of the first female pilot’s licence was going unrecognised, I launched the first-ever global female outreach initiative to celebrate women of aviation. This effort grew into iWOAW, a holistic global movement dedicated to advancing gender balance in the industry.
Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week – driving change on a global scale
Every year, Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week (WOAW) serves as a call to action to remember the past, celebrate the present and shape the future. This event unites aviation professionals, enthusiasts and communities worldwide through Fly It Forward® flights, facility tours and awareness campaigns aimed at introducing girls and women to the world of aviation. The response has been extraordinary — thousands of participants globally engage in activities that challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations.
Why gender inclusion in aviation matters now more than ever
Despite over a century of progress, women remain vastly underrepresented in aviation. Fewer than 1-in-20 pilots and less than 1-in-40 aviation technicians are women, globally. These statistics reveal the persistent barriers that discourage women from entering and advancing in the industry. The lack of awareness, representation and accessible opportunities continues to limit the talent pipeline. iWOAW is committed to dismantling these obstacles through research, advocacy and direct action.
The evolving industry response – progress and setbacks
When we first launched WOAW, the aviation industry responded with enthusiasm. Our advocacy efforts and the smiles of thousands of eager women and girls spurred a shift in the industry. The traditional “girls are not interested” excuse was dismantled in 2010. Some organisations took a hard look at their approach and adjusted.
However, after years of undeniable success, the “old guard” organised to slow progress, often while claiming otherwise. To this day, many aviation stakeholders keep their doors closed to women and girls, and most aviation museums fail to highlight women’s contributions on 8th March, the anniversary of the formal entry of women in the industry since 1910 and International Women’s Day since 1975.
Some initially held events and then stopped. Many organisations now engage in what I call “women washing” — spending more on promoting their diversity efforts than on making meaningful change. For instance, some organisations invest less than the cost of a first-class round-trip ticket on scholarships for a few female candidates, instead of investing that amount (or more) into bringing opportunities and information to a wider audience.
Unfortunately, the current political climate has allowed these organisations to halt their efforts to attract untapped talent without fear of public backlash. I hope the public will not accept this lack of corporate responsibility, and our supporters around the world continue to push for real change.
Standout moments and the power of community-led change
Each year, I am deeply moved by the enthusiasm of volunteers who organise events and inspire women and girls to consider joining our industry. Their dedication proves that, when given the chance, people instinctively want to uplift others. Watching young women take their first flights, meet industry professionals and envision themselves in aviation careers is incredibly rewarding. This grassroots energy is what fuels my optimism about the future of the industry.
Lessons in driving lasting change
Advocating for gender inclusion in aviation has been both inspiring and frustrating. Despite the clear evidence that a more diverse workforce benefits the entire industry, many decision-makers remain resistant to change. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that appealing to people’s innate sense of fairness and shared humanity often proves more effective than relying solely on data and logic. Creating a culture where women feel truly welcome in aviation requires sustained effort, collaboration and bold leadership.
Looking ahead – what’s next for iWOAW
With each passing year, the momentum behind Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week grows stronger. My focus remains on expanding outreach, strengthening partnerships and challenging outdated norms that hold women back. The future of aviation depends on the inclusion of all talented individuals, regardless of gender. I look forward to continuing this journey and seeing even more women soar into air and space career paths.
Join the movement
To learn more about iWOAW and how you can get involved, visit www.iwoaw.org. Let’s continue working together to break barriers and build a more inclusive aviation industry.
