'Somebody who has already walked that path, can help you get there faster—find yourself a mentor.' | Lynda Tran, Director of Public Engagement and Senior Advisor to the to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation

AVIATE with Shaesta

A powerful statement on the UN Women website read, "A single moment can spark a revolution, collective actions can transform laws, creative expression can change attitudes, and an invention can alter the course of history. It's these threads that weave together to propel the women's movement — even in the face of obstacles."

The history of women in government and policy is a long and complex one, marked by struggles for equality, representation, and recognition. From the early pioneers who fought for suffrage to the trailblazing women who shattered glass ceilings in politics, women have played an essential role in shaping government and policy in the United States.

In 1848, the First Women's Rights Convention occurred in Seneca Falls, New York, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Both women gathered hundreds of people and demanded civil, social, political, and religious rights for women in a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.

On March 8, 1911, the first International Women's Day was marked by more than one million people across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland gathered for women's suffrage and labor rights.

Fast forward to 1946, in the inaugural session of the UN General Assembly, Eleanor Roosevelt read an "open letter to the women of the world," sharing the importance of women's involvement in national and international affairs.

For aviation history, from 1997 to 2022, Jane Garvey became the first female Administrator of the FAA under the Clinton Administration. Garvey was the daughter of an Air Force colonel who worked as the Airport Director for Boston's Logan International Airport in the early 1990s and then served as the first Deputy Administrator for the US Federal Highway Administration for four years. Her successor was Marion Blakey, who became the 15th Administrator of the FAA.

The history of women in transportation, policy, and the government is inspiring. Still, with only 28% of women in Congress, 30% of statewide elective executive offices led or co-led by women, and 31% of seats in state legislation held by women, we have a long way to go. We need more women in government and policy roles to help grow society, especially in aviation.

Here are a few reasons why women should consider a career in government:

Representation: Women are underrepresented in government and policy positions, so having more women in these roles is essential to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table.

Influence: Women in government and policy can significantly impact the policies and decisions that affect the lives of women and girls. They can advocate for policies that promote gender equality, address issues such as the gender pay gap, and improve women's access to healthcare and education.

Leadership: By pursuing careers in government and policy, women can become leaders and role models for other women and girls. They can demonstrate that women have the skills and expertise to lead and make a difference in society.

Networking: Working in government and policy can allow women to network with other influential leaders, build relationships, and gain valuable experience and skills.

Progress: Finally, women in government and policy can help drive improvement and create positive change in society. By working to promote policies that support gender equality, combat discrimination, and advance human rights, women can help make a more just and equitable world for everyone.

Overall, women should consider careers in government and policy because it is a path to leadership, impact, and progress and can help increase representation and diversity in decision-making roles.