25-YEAR-OLD FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGING GENDER STEREOTYPES IN THE AVIATION SPACE

“The involvement of women in the aviation sector is disheartening, especially in Africa, where it remains predominantly male-dominated. There’s a widespread assumption that, for a business like this to thrive, the owner must be a male to effectively steer the organization’s vision. I am determined to change this narrative.”- Adubea Ofosu revealed.

In today’s dynamic and fast-paced world, the entrepreneurial spirit is thriving among young people more than ever before. With boundless energy, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to take risks, ambitious young individuals are carving out their paths in the business world. However, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship requires more than just ambition; it demands strategic thinking, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning.

In this article, I will explore how ambitious young Adubea Ofosu is excelling in her line of business.

Adubea Ofosu, a twenty-five-year-old lady, who has procured four aircrafts to facilitate her adventure tour business in Accra, Ghana emphasized that aviation is not for the faint-hearted, as several factors contribute to the declining engagement of women and youth in aviation including high production costs.

A Young Entrepreneur’s Aviation Dream

My initial research on Adubea Ofosu’s entrepreneurial pursuits was perceived as another run-of-the-mill venture, seemingly common among young adults in their mid-20s in Ghana.  As a journalist, I harbored doubts about featuring her in my article, questioning whether she had anything truly exceptional to offer. However, my perspective changed when I delved into researching about her. The discoveries I made were nothing short of astonishing, prompting me to realize the missed opportunity I would have faced by not engaging with her.

Adubea Ofosu committed to challenging stereotypes in the aviation space.

Despite facing numerous challenges, the 25-year-old lady has boldly entered the aviation industry and successfully acquired four aircrafts to bolster tourism in Accra, Ghana. This revelation left me stunned, fueling my desire to engage with this ambitious young entrepreneur. With a simple yet compelling question in mind, I eagerly sought to understand: Why is the participation of women in aviation so limited?

Women in aviation:

Women’s presence in aviation has evolved from a scarcity to an essential component of the industry’s fabric. From pioneering aviators to modern-day pilots, engineers, executives, and entrepreneurs, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the path of aviation worldwide. Throughout history, women have defied societal norms and gender stereotypes to pursue their passion for aviation. Pioneers like Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, and Harriet Quimby paved the way for future generations, proving that the sky knows no gender. Their courage and determination inspired countless women to pursue careers in aviation, despite facing significant barriers and prejudices.

Lack of female role models worsens the underrepresentation of women in aviation.

African women in Aviation:

In an industry historically dominated by men, African women are increasingly making their mark in aviation, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers along the way. The journey of African women in aviation is one characterized by determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite facing numerous obstacles and systemic barriers, women across Africa are defying the odds and proving that the sky is indeed not the limit. In addition to excelling in traditional aviation roles, African women are also making their mark as entrepreneurs and business leaders in the industry. From launching aviation startups to establishing aviation-related businesses, women are driving innovation and economic growth in this dynamic sector. Their entrepreneurial spirit and vision are transforming the aviation landscape, creating new opportunities and driving positive change.

However, despite the progress made, African women in aviation still face numerous challenges and barriers to advancement. Gender stereotypes, cultural norms, and institutional biases continue to hinder women’s access to opportunities and leadership positions in the industry. Additionally, the lack of female role models and mentors further exacerbates the underrepresentation of women in aviation.

African women are making their mark as entrepreneurs.

Humble Beginnings: From Enthusiast to Owner

“It is a long story that cannot be answered with a straightforward answer.” the 25-year-old lady said.

Adubea’s begun by telling me about how her success story begun with a dream – a dream to make a difference in her community through healthcare. With a steadfast commitment to serving others, she embarked on a career path in nursing, driven by a passion for healing and compassion for those in need.

“Growing up, I always aspired to work in the health sector, making impactful changes in people’s lives. I hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with a specialization in Pediatrics. While I’m currently not practicing clinically, due to my tight work schedule, nursing will forever remain an integral part of who I am.” – Adubea stressed.

However, fate had something unexpected in store for Ms. Ofosu. “A pivotal moment came when I traveled to Dubai to monitor their tourism and aviation sector especially its adventure tours. This journey, intended to broaden my horizons and deepen my understanding of healthcare systems worldwide, ended up igniting a newfound passion within me.”- She said.

Surrounded by the dynamic energy of Dubai’s aviation industry, “I felt a stirring within my soul – a calling to chart a different course, to challenge the status quo, and to pursue my dreams with unwavering conviction. Upon my return to Accra-Ghana, I made a bold decision – to pivot from nursing to the male-dominated field of aviation. I was undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead”. Adubea emphasized.

Ms. Ofosu undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead.

Adubea revealed that “I kick-started the business through soliciting ideas and partnerships with stakeholders to set up the whole entity.”

According to her, despite these successes, the aviation industry entails a significant level of pressure.

Ms. Ofosu said “Many of my colleagues regularly attend therapy sessions to unwind and manage the demands of the job. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to strike a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, as the job requires constant mental agility to tackle everyday challenges.”

My work demands a lot of financial investment – Adubea Ofosu

“Each day I get a reason why women and young people decline to participate in aviation. The industry is very demanding and challenging.” Adubea added that “My work demands a lot of financial investment. Unfortunately, many young people and women of my age are not financially sound to venture.”

Aviation is one of the safest and preferred mode of transports globally.

A Model of Success in Aviation

With determination, Adubea founded ‘Accra By Air,’ some seven months ago, on the 5^th of June 2023, a pioneering venture that offers adventure tours around the vibrant city of Accra. From exciting aircraft rides overlooking the beautiful coastline to immersive cultural experiences in the heart of Accra, ‘Accra By Air’ provides tourists and locals alike with a unique perspective of the city, showcasing its beauty, diversity, and rich cultural heritage.

“I strongly believe in showcasing the rich African culture, values, and tourist sites. Therefore, I consistently incorporate Ghanaian traditions into our endeavors. Accra boasts numerous captivating locations such as James Town, Shai Hills, the scenic coastline, remarkable architectural landmarks, and well-maintained roads. These efforts are aimed at promoting tourism in Ghana, from which my organization has greatly benefited.” According to the young entrepreneur.

Accra boasts numerous captivating locations its scenic coastline.

“It is amazing how Ghanaians have accepted this business within this short period. We mostly get our clients from the international community, and so far, the month of December has been good to us in terms of patronage,” she added.

A Bright Future for Aviation’s Rising Star

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 talks about how Industries, Innovations, and Infrastructure can contribute to the development of every economy. Aviation relies heavily on infrastructure, including airports, air traffic management systems, and aircraft manufacturing.

Adubea sees lots of potentials and future in the aviation industry.

Tourism also depends on efficient infrastructure such as transportation networks, accommodation facilities, and tourist attractions. Goal 9 promotes the development of resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization, and innovation.

Both sectors can contribute by investing in sustainable infrastructure and adopting innovative technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.

That is what the 25-year-old lady is trying to promote and achieve. The acquisition of four aircrafts for aviation tourism represents the realization of her vision, a testament to her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to following her dreams. With each flight, she is not only providing travelers with unforgettable experiences but also empowering communities, supporting conservation efforts, and inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly.