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The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), in partnership with ASKY Airlines and Plan International Togo, hosted the “Girls in Aviation Day” initiative on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport in Lomé, in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.
The landmark event offered 20 girls a meaningful and immersive learning experience aimed at increasing their exposure to professional opportunities in aviation, aerospace, and other science and technology fields.
The joint initiative reaffirmed the partners’ commitment to gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and expanding girls’ access to emerging career paths in underrepresented sectors. Through tours, interactive sessions, and hands‑on activities, the girls gained firsthand insight into airport operations, from terminal and baggage systems to cockpit procedures and air traffic control.
Speaking on behalf of EBID, Mr. Hughes Goa, Director of Private Sector Operations, highlighted the importance of investing in young women to build a more resilient and inclusive workforce in the ECOWAS region. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering girls through education, mentorship, and career exposure as part of its people‑centered development mandate.
The initiative also supports EBID’s upcoming adoption of the “Gender Equality for Public Institutions” Seal in partnership with UNDP and the ECOWAS Commission.
At the ASKY Desk, Commercial Director, Mr. Daté Tévi-Bénissan, stressed the need for a diverse talent pipeline in aviation and underscored the importance of greater female representation in technical and managerial roles. He reaffirmed ASKY Airlines’ commitment to promoting women’s participation across the sector.
Plan International Togo, the initiative’s technical partner, welcomed the programme as a key platform for helping girls to build confidence and leadership skills. The organisation reiterated its dedication to creating safe, inclusive spaces that encourage girls from all backgrounds to broaden their ambitions and explore a wide range of career opportunities.
Through this joint initiative, EBID, ASKY, and Plan International Togo reaffirmed their collective vision: to promote gender equality, foster human capital development, and empower the next generation of women leaders across West Africa.
