2018
WFW was established in 2018 by Mahek Shah, marking the beginning of a significant movement in the aviation industry. That same year, Mahek was recognized as the youngest member of Women In Aviation International – Kenya Chapter. She also took the initiative to interview over 25 aviation professionals, sharing their inspiring journeys and contributing valuable insights to aspiring women in the field.
2019
Wings For Women expanded its influence with a series of impactful initiatives. The organization conducted its first workshop, benefiting over 30 teenage girls, and successfully guided more than 20 girls into flight schools, helping turn their aviation dreams into reality. The year also saw Wings For Women reaching an audience of over 100,000 through social media and traditional media platforms. Additionally, the organisation participated in the International Civil Aviation Organization Competition and earned recognition in the Global Social Leaders competition.
2020-2022
Building on its earlier successes, Wings For Women continued to make significant strides between 2020 and 2022. In 2020, the organization was featured in multiple newspapers and online platforms, broadening its reach and impact. By 2022, Mahek Shah had become the youngest ambassador of AviaDev Africa, where she hosted a panel on stage, further solidifying her role as a leader and advocate for women in aviation.
2024
In 2024, Wings For Women aims to expand its outreach by partnering with five new aviation institutions and hosting two major career fairs, increasing access to training for aspiring female aviators. We also plan to launch a formal mentorship program, pairing 50 mentor-mentee pairs, and create a digital platform to foster a global community of women in aviation. These efforts are designed to inspire and empower more women, driving a more inclusive and diverse aviation industry.
2025
In 2025, Wings For Women reached a new milestone in its journey of empowerment and advocacy. Mahek Shah hosted Beyond Horizons, a flagship networking and dialogue event under Wings For Women, designed to bring together students, mentors, and industry professionals from across various fields. Targeted at individuals between the ages of 15 and 30, the event created a platform for sharing stories, building connections, and fostering mentorship. Its core aim was to reimagine the future of African aviation – one where women are not the exception, but the norm.
This year also marked Mahek’s growing global presence as she was invited as a panel speaker at the ICAO NGAP (Next Generation of Aviation Professionals) Global Summit in Durban, where she shared her insights on empowering youth, promoting gender equality, and advancing sustainability in aviation.
Continuing her long-standing involvement with AviaDev Africa, Mahek returned to the 9th Edition of the conference in Zanzibar – not just as an ambassador, but as a panel moderator, representing the voice of young women and future leaders in African aviation. Together, these milestones reflect Wings For Women’s expanding influence and its unwavering mission to build a more inclusive and forward-looking aviation industry.
