Editor,

RE: "RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines female pilots celebrate Women's Day” (The New Times, March 10).

I must commend RwandaAir and Ethiopian Airlines for opening the door of empowering women to work in Africa.In most of the African countries a woman was unfortunately regarded as property of man.

Any organization, family or country denying a woman the right to work or to make decisions is doomed. Gone are the days where young girls were prepared to be sold for marriage at younger stage.

I think the Governments of Rwanda and Ethiopia are doing great job by providing quality education to the new generation without sexual discrimination. When I nowadays see female heads of state, pilots, senators, judges, professors, engineers ,journalists, doctors, drivers and among others coming up many in African countries, then I project both the future of economic growth and development in Africa.

Africa is on the rise—the field of free movement of human labour is characterized with stiff competition between man and woman worldwide. However, it’s paramount to note that women's emancipation in Africa is still a process and needs support from all.

The problem is that some women still don't believe in themselves and others love comfort zone. These young pilots and others in Africa make women proud and strong towards national building of our countries.

Henry Mapesa