In Lebanon, civil aviation is beginning to employ women

After Rola Hoteit, Lebanon’s first female airline pilot in 2010 and Erika Chbeir in 2016, four young Lebanese women – Stephanie Kteily, Angela Mourad, Stephanie El Helou and Yara Darwish – have joined Middle East Airlines as pilots to challenge the stereotypes of the profession in Lebanon.

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over the years I’ve developed the habit of making one wish on every flight! My wishes could vary from a very simple wish like remembering where I parked my car to a more meaningful wish like finding my boys still awake when I get home….. Some wishes do come true and some others fail…… Today’s wish is more like a dream!! As my son is about to leave home this summer and travel abroad to study, I really wish that Lebanon will become a clean, peaceful, and secure country that treats all its citizens equally and provide all with equal opportunities based on potentials not connections….. Maybe then my son would come back home!!!!! #son #mother #wish #dream #sky #travel #hope #lebanon #lebanese #pilot #motherly #love #care #affection #relationship #flight #europe #day #trip #istanbul #turkey

A post shared by Captain Rola Hoteit (@captain_rolahoteit) on Dec 13, 2018 at 8:41am PST

Women pilots take the lead

The airline has recently chosen to open its doors to many trainees, without gender distinction, thus allowing several women to exercise this profession historically closed to women.

Unfortunately, this inequality is not the only fact of Lebanon. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, only 3% of pilots in the world are women.

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#InternationalWomensDay Meet @ericachbeir22, the second female pilot to join @mea_airliban! On this very special day, we would like to express our deep gratitude and excitement to Erica for being a role-model to many female aviation enthusiasts. You proved that nothing is impossible, you proved that equality exists in aviation! May you be an example to many dreamers out there. Happy International Women's Day @ericachbeir22! #Pilot #female #femalepilot #dream #airbus #aviation #avgeek #plane #lebanon #lebanese #beirut #airport #crew #lps

A post shared by Lebanese Plane Spotters (@lebanese_plane_spotters) on Mar 8, 2018 at 3:20am PST