Empowering women to soar: Drone Divas opens new horizons in South Africa’s drone industry

Drone Divas

In the traditionally male-dominated drone industry, young women from South Africa’s townships are breaking barriers through the Drone Divas programme. This initiative is designed to bridge the digital and gender divide. Created by the Goethe Institute and Africa Beyond 4IR (AB4IR), the programme gives young women a way to enter and succeed in this rapidly growing field.

“We’ve learned so much from this programme. Now we can literally stand on our own two feet,” shares Veronica N., one of many empowered graduates. Over four to six weeks, participants gain hands-on training in drone operation, programming, 3D modelling, and even entrepreneurship. The programme also incorporates modules like Design Thinking and Business Model Canvas to prepare them for life beyond the training, ensuring they not only master the technical skills but also understand how to navigate the business side of the industry.

A standout feature is the internship opportunities offered to the top ten participants, giving them invaluable real-world experience with drone companies. “My dream was always to build a career in the drone industry. After the programme, we were hired as interns, and soon after, became permanent employees,” says Ontiretse M., reflecting on the programme’s life-changing potential.

Interest in Drone Divas has soared, with over 1,100 applications for just 20 spots in 2021. Two years later, more than 90 young women have completed the training, and the programme shows no signs of slowing down. AB4IR estimates that the South African drone industry could accommodate up to 80 interns at a time.

Drone Divas also helps women build confidence by offering Remote Pilot Licences (RPLs), a qualification that boosts employability. Moreover, by partnering with private companies, the programme ensures that its curriculum aligns with industry needs and that participants are well-prepared to step into their careers. But the impact goes beyond numbers. Drone Divas is nurturing a new generation of role models in South Africa’s creative and tech industries. These women aren’t just learning to fly drones‌ — ‌they’re inspiring other young women to follow in their footsteps. “We’ve involved the interns in real work from day one. They’re learning, but they’re already contributing to our business,” says Kim J. from UAV Ariel Works.

Drone Divas is showing that for these women, the sky really is the limit. Providing training and opening doors in a male-dominated field creates pathways for success and makes the drone industry more inclusive, one flight at a time.

Read the full case study by GIZ here:

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