Capt. Ariane Mwiza is a young Rwandan woman who flies helicopters for the Rwanda Air Force.
She says that becoming a pilot, especially not a civilian one, was not something that happened by chance. It was a lesson she drew from the example of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (Inkotanyi) and the courage to believe in herself, even as a young woman, that helped her achieve it.
Speaking at the Rwanda Convention held in the United States in July 2025, Capt. Mwiza revealed that it was the bravery shown by the Inkotanyi—many of whom were young people during the liberation struggle—that inspired her to become a military pilot instead of a civilian one.
When asked how she managed to secure such a position and what challenges she faced as a young woman, she said:
“What gave me strength was looking up to the heroic men and women who liberated our country and fought for it.”
“As a child, I constantly asked myself what I could do for my country. That’s when I got the idea that I, too, could join the ranks of the brave women who were part of our liberation journey.”
Capt. Mwiza explained that it was during that time that she began to think of what she could do that would be truly unique, and she was not discouraged by the fact that she was a girl.
She said, “That’s when I made up my mind that I would become a pilot—not in a civilian airline but in the military. That’s where I drew the strength that led me to choose this career.”
Capt. Mwiza pointed out that one of the challenges she faced as a female pilot was that the field is dominated by men, which often leads some women to believe they are not capable. But she committed to her path so she could inspire others who may face similar doubts.
She said, “Flying aircraft is not something many women do, and that was a challenge. I initially doubted myself, and others doubted me too. But I told myself that if I could do it, the victory wouldn’t be mine alone—it would also belong to other young girls and boys who are wondering whether their dreams can come true.”
Capt. Mwiza’s story serves as an example for other young people to pursue their dreams by learning from those who have already achieved something tangible at a young age. It is especially empowering for those considering careers typically seen as male-dominated, but in which women can also thrive.
