In commemoration of International Women's Day (IWD) 2025, ICAO is celebrating women in aviation under the theme "Only Up: for ALL Women and Girls in Aviation" on Friday, March 7th, 2025. The event will be marked by a screening of the documentary film "Only Up" directed and produced by Ms. Kendra Kincade, a Canadian air traffic controller and founder of the non-profit Elevate Aviation which promotes youth engagement and interest in aviation.
 

The film highlights the experiences of women as they navigate careers in aviation, profiling their successes and the challenges of participating in a male-dominated industry. The documentary paves the way for greater visibility and attention towards the gender imbalance of the aviation industry, offering insights and perspectives into how to close the gap.

The film screening will be preceded by a high-level panel with distinguished panelists, including:

• Ms. Kendra Kincade, Director/Producer of "Only Up" and Founder of Elevate Aviation

• Ms. Melissa Haney, Pilot, Air Inuit and cast member of "Only Up"

• Ms. Anita Adjei-Nmashie, Representative of Ghana on the Council, ICAO
   

• Ms. Valdís Ásta Aðalsteinsdóttiron, Representative of Iceland on the Council, ICAO
   

• Ms. Michele Merkle, Director, Air Navigation Bureau, ICAO

• Ms. Marina Koester, Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation, Germany
   

The discussions will centre on how to better uplift and support women in aviation, as well as engage with the younger generations to empower them to chase their dreams and soar to higher heights.
 

The event will be livestreamed here for those who wish to tune in virtually.

For more information, please contact gender [at] icao.int (gender[at]icao[dot]int).