This week Africa In Progress takes to the skies. We hear how young women in Ghana are defying social taboos, learning to fly planes. Their aim is to become primary health care workers and help combat the water-borne disease schistosomiasis.

So far, two have obtained their pilot’s licenses, while others are being taught to fly so they, too, can reach isolated villages in affected areas. The new female pilots say they have become role models in their communities. As Patricia Mawali puts it: “I went into that field and did the job that men are supposed to be doing – and actually did it better. After that, it opened so many doors for other women who now look up to me.”

Producer/presenter: Ekwtosi Collyer
Programme length: 25’47

Interviewees: Patricia Mawali
Lydia Wetsi
Emmanuela Mensah
Queen Manye II
Michaela Hayes
Jonathan Porter
Professor Bosopem